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November 2011
Amendments to ONPA Impact
Peer Assistance Program
2
Amendments to the Oklahoma
Nursing Practice Act Take Ef-fect
November 1, 2011
3
Continuing Qualifications for
Practice to be Required for Li-cense
Renewal
5
Graduating from a Nursing
Program and Passing the Licen-sure
Exam: What Should You
Know?
6
Discipline Information Now
Available on the Board’s Web-site
9
OBN Launches a “Green” Ini-tiative
9
NCLEX-RN and PN Pass Rates
For CY 2010
10
Oklahoma Nursing Popula-tion—
FY 2011
15
Board Meeting Notice
17
Summary of Board Activities
18
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Choices
By Liz Michael, RN, MS
Board President
VOLUME 25 ISSUE 1
OKLAHOMA BOARD OF NURSING
2915 N. Classen Boulevard, Suite 524
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73106
Phone: 405-962-1800
Website: www.ok.gov/nursing
OKLAHOMA BOARD OF NURSING NEWSLETTER
When you decided on your chosen
profession, did you understand all of
the implications that might come in to
play? For instance, did you take into
consideration how your behavior off
the job might impact how you are
perceived in the workplace or that your
livelihood could be affected by the
choices you make in the heat of the
moment?
There are many professions that are
held to higher standards of behavior;
physicians, teachers, police officers,
firefighters, judges, nurses, and
members of the clergy come to mind,
although I am sure there are many
more. We are taught to trust and respect
these professionals due to the services
they provide. In the provision of those
services, they must continue to earn
that trust and respect.
Nursing is one of those professions
where it is imperative for a trust
relationship to develop. Patients
literally place their lives in the nurse’s
hands because they trust that the nurse
will do what is appropriate and take the
very best care of them. Families trust
that when they leave a loved one in the
care of a nurse, the loved one will
get the care expected. Whether in a
clinic, school, home health,
hospital, or other setting where a
nurse may work, nurses are
responsible for building and
nurturing trust relationships with
the patients they care for.
Trustworthiness is a desired
characteristic in all of the
professions mentioned above. We
trust our well-being to each of
them at some point in time, so how
do we respond when that trust is
compromised? Consider this:
Would you feel safe if a police
officer broke into a home when he
or she was not on duty? Would
you want a physician caring for
your loved one after being arrested
for domestic abuse? How about
finding out that your child’s
teacher has been diverting cash
from a school fund-raiser? Or that
the nurse you trusted with your
mother’s life had been convicted
of elder abuse? Trust would
disappear, and fear would take its
place. We would be disappointed,
(Continued on page 2)
Page 2 OKLAHOMA BOARD OF NURSING NEWSLETTER November 2011
disillusioned, and in some instances angry, because
we expect more from these professionals.
Each one of these scenarios represents an extreme
behavior that happened while the individuals were off
duty, but that nevertheless impacted their professional
statuses and careers. The professionals made
conscious decisions to break trust. They were held
accountable for their actions and lost their livelihoods
because of the choices they made. Are they being
held to a higher standard than others who might
(Continued from page 1)
commit the same crimes? Possibly, but they chose
to be in professions where they are held in high
regard.
Whether on duty or off duty, your behavior matters.
How you live your life and the example you set
before others matters. None of us is perfect, and we
all make mistakes, but sometimes you should stop
and ask yourself the question, “Will what I am
about to do negatively impact my life or career?” If
there is any question, choose to stop.
AMENDMENTS TO ONPA IMPACT PEER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
House Bill 1275, which was signed into law by the
Governor and becomes effective November 1, 2011,
has two changes affecting the Peer Assistance Program
(“Program”). The first change (59 O.S. §567.17(J))
affirmatively states that participants are responsible for
the costs related to participation in the Program. The
Rules of the Oklahoma Board of Nursing (OAC
485:10-19-6(2)) and the contractual agreement with the
Program have required that the financial cost of
participation be assumed by participants, so this does
not change current practice in the Program for
participants.
The second change (59 O.S. §567.17(K)) directs
conditions to be placed on the licensure status of nurses
entering the Program, whether their application is
voluntary or ordered by the Board. These conditions
will remain in place during the nurses’ periods of
participation in the Program. This is a change that will
affect those nurses who choose to enter the Program
voluntarily. It will not affect nurses who are in the
Program before November 1, 2011. For nurses who
voluntarily enter the Program without Board action, the
conditions are non-disciplinary.
For nurses entering the Program beginning on
November 1, 2011, the Board will now acknowledge
that the nurse is participating in the Program. The
records of the nurses in the Program will continue to be
confidential as long as the nurse is compliant with the
Program contract(s). Records of nurse participants
include, but are not limited to reports, memoranda,
statements, interviews, and other documents. Records
of the nurse may also be made public by a subpoena
and court order (59 O.S. §567.17(F)).
This change has occurred because it was identified as a
public protection issue. Nursing employers have
requested that they be able to identify if a nurse is in
the Peer Assistance Program and not have to rely on the
nurse to give them this information. Nurses in the Peer
Assistance Program have always been required to
notify employers and potential employers of their
participation in the Program through their contract with
the Program. This change will promote the
accountability of the nurse participant to abide by this
requirement.
Page 3 OKLAHOMA BOARD OF NURSING NEWSLETTER November 2011
AMENDMENTS TO THE OKLAHOMA NURSING PRACTICE ACT
TAKE EFFECT NOVEMBER 1, 2011
Amendments to the Oklahoma Nursing Practice Act
were passed unanimously by the Legislature and signed
by Governor Mary Fallin during the 2011 Legislative
Session. The amended Oklahoma Nursing Practice Act
will take effect November 1, 2011. In this article, we
will review the amendments to the Act and their impact
on Oklahoma nurses.
Advanced Practice Registered Nurses
Many of the amendments to the Oklahoma Nursing
Practice Act are related to advanced practice nursing.
The title of advanced practice nurses as a group
changes to Advanced Practice Registered Nurses
(APRN), and the title of advanced registered nurse
practitioners changes to Certified Nurse Practitioners
(CNP). All Advanced Practice Registered Nurses,
including Certified Nurse Practitioners (CNP),
Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM), Clinical Nurse
Specialists (CNS), and Certified Registered Nurse
Anesthetists (CRNA), are required to use the title
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) and their
specific specialty role title (CNP, CNM, CNS, or
CRNA) in their communications with the public. For
example, the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
might sign his or her name “Jane Doe, APRN-CNP” or
“John Doe, APRN, CRNA” (the law does not specify
whether a dash, comma, or space should separate the
two portions of the title). The amended statute also
establishes a criminal penalty for using the title
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, or APRN; any of
the specialty role titles or abbreviations; or any other
language that may lead people to believe that the user is
an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, unless the user
of the title is licensed as an APRN by the Oklahoma
Board of Nursing. Effective November 1, 2011,
Advanced Practice Registered Nurses will hold
licenses, rather than recognitions, in advanced practice
registered nursing and their specialty roles. CNP, CNS,
or CNM authority to prescribe, as well as CRNA
authority to select, order, obtain, and administer drugs,
will remain as a separate recognition for qualified
APRNs.
In addition, the definition of advanced practice
registered nursing is amended to better define the
role of the APRN, by incorporating the following
statements into the definition: “who has acquired
advanced clinical knowledge and skills in
preparation for providing both direct and indirect
care to patients; however, the defining factor for
all Advanced Practice Registered Nurses is that a
significant component of the education and
practice focuses on direct care of individuals”
[OS 59 §567.3a(5)(c)] and “whose practice builds
on the competencies of Registered Nurses by
demonstrating a greater depth and breadth of
knowledge, a greater synthesis of data, and
increased complexity of skills and
interventions….” [OS 59 §567.3a(5)(d)].
One section of the amended Oklahoma Nursing
Practice Act impacting Advanced Practice
Registered Nurses does not take effect until
January 1, 2016. On that date, an applicant for
licensure as an Advanced Practice Registered
Nurse must have completed a graduate level
advanced practice registered nursing education
program in at least one of the following
population foci: family/individual across the
lifespan, adult-gerontology, neonatal, pediatrics,
women’s health/gender-related, or
psychiatric/mental health nursing. Advanced
Practice Registered Nurses licensed by the Board
prior to January 1, 2016, may continue to hold
advanced practice licensure with their current
specialty certification, even if it is not in one of
the above population foci.
The amended Oklahoma Nursing Practice Act
also establishes a process for licensure by
endorsement for Advanced Practice Registered
Nurses who hold recognition in another state. In
addition, the amendments establish requirements
for approval of advanced practice registered
(Continued on page 4)
Page 4 OKLAHOMA BOARD OF NURSING NEWSLETTER November 2011
nursing education programs, which will become
effective on January 1, 2016.
Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, and
Advanced Unlicensed Assistants
The amended Act also changes the official title of an
Advanced Unlicensed Assistive Person (AUAP) to
Advanced Unlicensed Assistant (AUA). It dissolves the
Board’s Advanced Unlicensed Assistant Advisory
Committee, the functions of which are incorporated
into the Board’s Nursing Education and Practice
Advisory Committee.
The amended Act establishes requirements for initial
licensure of Registered Nurses or Licensed Practical
Nurses, or for initial certification as Advanced
Unlicensed Assistants, including a requirement for a
federal criminal background check and a minimum age
of 18 for eligibility. The requirement for the federal
criminal background check becomes effective January
1, 2013.
Payment of Fees Not Honored by Financial
Institution
A new provision of the Act requires the Executive
Director to suspend the license of certificate of a person
who submits a check, money draft, or similar
instrument for payment of a fee that is not honored by
the financial institution named. The suspension
becomes effective ten days following the delivery by
certified mail of written notice to the person’s address
on file at the Board office. The person may reinstate
upon payment of the fees and any and all costs
associated with the notice and collection.
Disciplinary Action
The amendments clarify the Board’s responsibility to
take disciplinary action on a licensee or certificate
holder who defaults from the Peer Assistance Program
for any reason, fails to maintain professional
boundaries with patients, or engages in sexual
misconduct with a current or former patient or key
party inside or outside the health care setting.
(Continued from page 3)
In addition, the amendments allow the Board to
retain jurisdiction over any person issued a license,
certificate, or temporary license after the license has
expired, lapsed, or been relinquished during or after
the alleged occurrence or conduct. As well, the
amended Act requires the Executive Director to
suspend the license or certificate of any individual
who has been sentenced to a period of continuous
incarceration.
Exceptions to the Act
Exceptions to the Oklahoma Nursing Practice Act
are amended to better define the parameters for a
nurse who is called into attendance to a patient
temporarily in Oklahoma. The amendments also
provide an exception for a nurse who is licensed in
another state or territory and who is a military
spouse, allowing that individual to obtain a
temporary license for 120 days while meeting all
requirements for full licensure.
Peer Assistance Program
The amended Oklahoma Nursing Practice Act
clarify that the costs for participation in the Peer
Assistance Program are the responsibility of the
participant. In addition, the amendments establish
that conditions will be placed on the license of the
participant during the period of participation in the
Peer Assistance Program.
Summary
The purpose of the amendments to the Oklahoma
Nursing Practice Act is to enhance the Board’s
ability to protect the public, by ensuring well-qualified
applicants for licensure and certification,
and by defining the responsibility of licensees and
the Board. The full text of the Oklahoma Nursing
Practice Act may be reviewed on the Board’s
website: www.ok.gov/nursing. Click on the link for
“Nursing Practice Act” on the side of the page. If
you have any questions regarding the amendments,
feel free to call the Board office at (405) 962-1804.
CONTINUING QUALIFICATIONS FOR PRACTICE
TO BE REQUIRED FOR LICENSE RENEWAL
Page 5 OKLAHOMA BOARD OF NURSING NEWSLETTER November 2011
*CHANGE OF ADDRESS*
Please Mail To: Oklahoma Board of Nursing
2915 N. Classen Blvd., Ste. 524
Oklahoma City, OK 73106
I need to report my change of address to the Oklahoma Board of Nursing.
Address changes may also be made on the Board’s website: www.ok.gov/nursing.
License Number ________________________________(Or) Social Security Number ___________________________
Full Name _________________________________________ Signature (*required) _____________________________
New Address _______________________________________________________________________________________
Old Address ________________________________________________________________________________________
* In accordance with OAC 485:10-7-9 & 485:10-9-9 it is the legal duty of a licensed nurse to notify the Oklahoma Board of Nursing of a
change of address in writing within 30 days of the change.
The Rules of the Oklahoma Board of Nursing were
amended recently, taking effect on July 1, 2011. One
significant change in the rules relates to the need for
evidence of continuing qualifications for practice prior
to renewal of a Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical
Nurse license. The updated Rules are available for view
the Board’s website.
Beginning January 1, 2014, all RNs and LPNs
renewing their licenses will be required to meet one of
the following requirements for renewal within the two
(2) years prior to the date of expiration of the license:
(1) Verify employment in a position that requires a
registered/practical nurse license with
verification of at least 520 work hours (Please
note: this requirement is not exclusive to
clinical positions. Other positions may also
incorporate nursing knowledge and skills and
require RN or LPN licensure. Examples
include, but are not limited to nurse
administrators, nurse educators, and nurse
researchers.); or
(2) Verify the completion of at least twenty-four
(24) contact hours of continuing education
applicable to nursing practice; or
(3) Verify current certification in a nursing
specialty area; or
(4) Verify completion of a Board-approved
refresher course; or
(5) Verify completion of at least six (6)
academic semester credit hours of nursing
coursework at the licensee’s current level of
licensure or higher.
Because at least one of the above five options must
have been completed within the two years prior to
the date of expiration of the license, RNs should
begin their efforts to meet the continuing
qualifications requirements during the two years
prior to the expiration date of their licenses in 2014.
Additionally, LPNs should begin planning for
meeting their continuing qualifications
requirements two years before they are due to
renew in 2015.
Also, please make note that a random audit will be
routinely conducted, requiring the audited nurse to
present evidence to support the continuing
qualification he/she indicated on renewal. If you
have questions about the requirements, feel free to
call the Board office.
Page 6
OKLAHOMA BOARD OF NURSING NEWSLETTER November 2011
GRADUATING FROM A NURSING PROGRAM
AND PASSING THE LICENSURE EXAM:
WHAT SHOULD YOU KNOW?
You have graduated from your nursing program,
are waiting to take your National Council Licensure
Examination (NCLEX), and life is good! Now all
you have to do is go to work, do as directed, and all
will be taken care of…right? Well, not exactly.
There are guidelines to guide your employment in a
health care facility after graduating from a nursing
education program yet prior to obtaining licensure.
Employment before Licensure
Employment of Nursing Students or Non-Licensed
Graduates Guidelines provide direction when a
nursing student or recent graduate of a nursing
education program is employed by a health care
institution. Recent graduates of nursing education
programs may be hired to perform basic nursing
assistant skills as well as other technical skills
learned in the nursing education program, under the
supervision of a Registered Nurse, prior to
obtaining nurse licensure. The title used for this
position according to the Employment of Nursing
Students or Non-Licensed Graduates Guidelines is
“Nurse Technician” or “Practical Nurse
Technician”; however, some facilities may use
other titles for this role. The Nurse Technician or
Practical Nurse Technician MAY NOT administer
medication (including but not limited to blood
products and intravenous fluids), perform
assessments, act in a supervisory position, take
verbal orders from the physician or other health
care provider, or develop the plan of care. The
graduate may continue to be employed in a Nurse
Technician role until licensed in any state, territory,
or country, provided that the first licensure
examination is taken within 90 days after
graduation and the examination is passed within 6
months of graduation, on either the first or second
attempt. The Employment of Nursing Students or
Non-Licensed Graduates Guidelines can be
accessed at http://www.ok.gov/nursing/ed-guide.
pdf.
You must obtain a license before orienting or
working in a position requiring a nursing license.
Failure to do so results in practicing nursing without a
license. You may participate in general hospital
orientation that is non-specific to your future position
that requires a nursing license.
Know Your Scope of Practice
You have now successfully passed your NCLEX
exam, obtained a nursing license, completed
orientation to your role in a health care facility, and
know all that you need to know in providing safe
nursing care. Right? WRONG! As a newly-licensed
nurse, you need to be thoroughly familiar with the
Oklahoma Nursing Practice Act and Rules. These
documents provide the legal basis for your practice.
It is the responsibility of the newly licensed nurse to
become familiar with nursing licensure regulation.
This can be easily accomplished through the Board of
Nursing website: www.ok.gov/nursing.
 The first step is to become familiar with your
scope of practice. The scope of practice is
included in the Nursing Practice Act. For
Registered Nurses, see Section 567.3a.3, and for
Licensed Practical Nurses, see Section 567.3a.4.
Licensed practical nursing means the practice of
nursing under the supervision or direction of a
Registered Nurse, licensed physician, or dentist.
 The scope of practice does not provide a listing
of all acts permissible at your level of licensure.
When questioning whether you can perform a
specific act, you may access the Decision-
Making Model for Scope of Nursing Practice
Decisions: Determining Advanced Practice
Registered Nurse, Registered Nurse, and
Licensed Practical Nurse Scope of Practice
Guidelines (Decision-Making Model). The
model can be reviewed on the homepage by
accessing “Guidelines” or at http:www.ok.gov/
(Continued on page 7)
Page 7 OKLAHOMA BOARD OF NURSING NEWSLETTER November 2011
nursing/prac-decmak.pdf. To determine if the act is
within your scope of practice, move through the
seven questions. If uncertainty continues, contact the
Board of Nursing.
 In protecting both the public and your license, you
need to be aware of what acts may result in denial,
revocation or suspension of your nursing license.
This information is included in the Nursing Practice
Act, specifically Section 567.8.
 Unprofessional conduct, included in the list of causes
for imposition of disciplinary action, is defined in the
Rules, specifically Section 485:10-11-1(b)(3). Rules
may be accessed through the legend on the left of the
homepage.
Use Board Guidelines and Other Resources
Additional information helpful in your practice
environment can be found under “Guidelines” on the
Board of Nursing website: http://www.ok.gov/nursing/
prac1/html. Guidelines particularly useful to the new
nurse include but are not limited to the following:
 Abandonment Statement: This statement provides
information specific to acts that may be considered
patient abandonment, and acts that may not be
considered as patient abandonment. The direct link to
this guideline is http://www.ok.gov/nursing/prac-aband.
pdf.
 Delegation of Nursing Functions to Unlicensed
Persons: While the guideline advises that delegation
must fall within the nurse’s respective scope of
practice and must occur within the framework of the
job description of the delegatee and organizational
policies and procedures, it also lists nursing tasks
that require nursing assessment, judgment,
evaluation, and teaching during implementation that
cannot be delegated. These tasks include physical,
psychological, and social assessment; formulation of
the nursing plan of care and evaluation of the client’s
response to care provided; and the administration of
medications except as authorized by state and/or
federal regulations. This guideline can be accessed at
http://www.ok.gov/nursing/delegation.pdf.
 IV Medication Administration by Licensed Practical
Nurses Statement: IV therapy and medication
administration may be within the scope of practice of
the Licensed Practical Nurse who has appropriate
educational training and under supervision. In
(Continued from page 6)
addition to other valuable information, the
guideline identifies the responsibility of the
assessment and analysis of the assessment
data to determine nursing care needs as that
of the Registered Nurse. The guideline can
b e a c c e s s e d a t
http://www.ok.gov/nursing/IVMed.pdf.
�� Moderate (Conscious) Sedation Guidelines
for Registered Nurse Managing and
Monitoring Patients: This guideline includes
qualifications for the administration,
management, and/or monitoring by
Registered Nurses as well as the process for
providing this act. The most frequent issue
surrounding this guideline includes what
medications the Registered Nurse may
administer. It is noted that a licensed nurse
who is not a Certified Registered Nurse
Anesthetist may not administer or monitor
any and all drugs used in general
anesthesia or moderate (conscious)
sedation if the drug manufacturer’s
general warning advise the drug should be
administered and monitored by persons
experienced in the use of general
anesthesia who are not involved in the
conduct of the surgical and/or diagnostic
procedure. For access: http://www.ok.gov/
nursing/prac-rnguid.pdf.
 Monitoring of the Moderate (Conscious)
Sedation Patient by Licensed Practical Nurse
Guidelines: Differing from the guideline
listed previously, this guideline is specific to
the role of the Licensed Practical Nurse
(LPN) in monitoring moderate (conscious)
sedation. It should be noted that the
administration of medication to and the
management of the moderate sedation
remains the responsibility of the Registered
Nurse, licensed physician, or dentist. The
LPN monitoring the patient receiving
moderate sedation shall have no other
responsibilities that would leave the patient
unattended or would compromise continuous
monitoring. This guideline can be accessed at
http://www.ok.gov/nursing/prac-lpnguid.pdf.
 Patient Assessment Guidelines: The purpose
of this guideline is to identify the roles of the
(Continued on page 8)
Page 8 OKLAHOMA BOARD OF NURSING NEWSLETTER November 2011
NOTICE TO LICENSEES SUBMITTING ONLINE RENEWALS:
The OBN online renewal system provides a convenient way for you to
submit your renewal. However, it is essential that you protect the secu-rity
of your online information. Your PIN number, which is required for
the renewal, should not be shared with anyone, even with your spouse or
with support staff members at your place of employment who tell you
that it is their “job” to submit the renewal for you. You are the only per-son
who can complete and submit your online renewal!
Registered Nurse (RN) and Licensed Practical
Nurse (LPN) in the assessment of patients. Both
the comprehensive nursing assessment (to be
performed by the RN) and focused assessments
(allowed to be performed by LPNs) are defined,
as well as the licensed nurse’s role in nursing
assessment. Access is provided at http://
www.ok.gov/nursing/ptassessgl.pdf
 Frequently Asked Questions: The Board staff
receives questions from licensed nurses and
other stakeholders regarding nursing practice
issues. The Board of Nursing has trended these
questions and provided a listing of the
frequently asked questions as a resource for
nurses. Do note that the questions and answers
provided are included for illustration ONLY and
cannot be relied upon as correct under ALL
circumstances. Each situation may present
unique facts for consideration on a case-by-case
basis. The questions can be accessed at http://
www.ok.gov/nursing/practicefaq.pdf.
Preparing for Renewal
Nursing licensure renewal is required. If you are a
Licensed Practical Nurse, your license will expire on
the last day of your birth month during odd years.
(Continued from page 7)
Registered Nurses must renew their nursing
licenses on or before the last day of the birth
month during even years. Nurses who are not U.S.
citizens, U.S. nationals, or permanent legal
resident aliens may have different expiration dates.
Licensure renewal is the responsibility of the
licensee, and may be performed online within 90
days prior to the license expiration date. Failure to
renew by the expiration date will result in a lapsed
license, requiring the licensee to cease nursing
practice and to proceed through the license
reinstatement process. Beginning in January 2014,
licensed nurses will be required to indicate
continuing qualifications for license renewal. The
requirements for continuing qualifications for
practice are included in the Rules, specifically
485:10-7-3 (e)(1) – (5).
Summary
Recognizing the importance of providing safe
patient care and in an attempt to provide an
orientation to nursing regulation, the above
information has been provided as a support for
newly licensed nurses. If you have practice
questions that are not addressed, do not hesitate to
call the Board of Nursing at (405) 962-1800.
Page 9 OKLAHOMA BOARD OF NURSING NEWSLETTER November 2011
OBN LAUNCHES A “GREEN” INITIATIVE
In the FY 2012 - 2016 Strategic Plan of the Oklahoma
Board of Nursing, one of the Key Performance
Measures is to achieve a 50% reduction in the use of
paper for the office operations. To implement this
measure, the Oklahoma Board of Nursing (OBN) will
undertake several actions over the next several years,
including converting the current Oklahoma Board of
Nursing Newsletter to an electronic format.
The November 2011 Newsletter will be the last
hard-copy newsletter you receive from OBN. In
Spring 2012, OBN will make the newsletter available
on its website: www.ok.gov/nursing. In addition, OBN
has begun requesting email addresses for all licensed
nurses on initial applications and at the time of
renewal, with the goal of providing the newsletter,
as well as other communication from OBN, to each
nurse via email in the future.
OBN’s website provides a wealth of information
for the practicing nurse, including access to forms
and applications, practice guidelines and policies,
practice news and alerts, nursing education
guidelines and policies, minutes of Board and
committee meetings, and OBN data. We encourage
all licensed nurses to check the OBN website
frequently for new information that may impact
them.
DISCIPLINE INFORMATION NOW AVAILABLE ON THE BOARD’S WEBSITE
Effective July 1, 2011, the Board’s disciplinary orders
are provided online dating back to January 2009. Board
Orders are usually posted within two (2) months of the
nurse’s administrative hearing. To access discipline, go
to the Board’s website and click on the link to “License
Verification.” If there has been disciplinary action taken
since Jnaury 2009, there will be a “Y” under Discipline
Since 1/09.” Click on the “Y” to review and/or print the
related information.
For certified copies of the disciplinary action, or for
disciplinary action taken prior to January 2009, a request
for Written Verification of Licensure and the
appropriate fee will need to be submitted to the
Board. You may obtain the appropriate form on
the Board’s website on the following link:
www.ok.gov/nursing/writverify.pdf. Submit the
completed form with the fee to the Oklahoma
Board of Nursing requesting a copy of the
disciplinary records. Alternatively, you may visit
the Board office to request the open records.
To verify licensure status and expiration date, please go to the Board’s website:
www.ok.gov/nursing.
Click on the link for “License Verification.”
Do you have questions related to the Board’s regulations and guidelines?
You may access the Oklahoma Nursing Practice Act, Rules of the Oklahoma
Board of Nursing, and Board guidelines on the Board’s website:
www.ok.gov/nursing.
NCLEX-RN AND PN PASS RATES FOR CY 2010
Page 10 OKLAHOMA BOARD OF NURSING NEWSLETTER November 2011
In the State of Oklahoma, there are 34 registered
nursing education programs and 31 practical nursing
education programs that lead to initial licensure.
These programs graduated 3,408 students during FY
2011. After graduation, graduates take the National
Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to
become licensed in the state or territory to which
they have applied. In Calendar Year (CY) 2010,
2,298 graduates of Oklahoma registered nursing
education programs took the NCLEX-RN, and 1,255
graduates of Oklahoma practical nursing education
programs took the NCLEX-PN as first-time
candidates.
Oklahoma-educated first-time candidates for
registered nurse licensure achieved an overall
86.77% NCLEX-RN pass rate in CY 2010. This is
the second highest NCLEX-RN pass rate that the
state has achieved in the past ten years. The highest
NCLEX-RN Oklahoma pass rate of 88.88%
occurred in CY 2006. The Oklahoma NCLEX-RN
pass rate rose for the fourth consecutive year,
ranking higher than 21 other states and jurisdictions.
Between CY 2007 and 2010, the Oklahoma
NCLEX-RN pass rate rose from 82.07% to 86.77%.
Approximately 53% of all campuses in Oklahoma
pre-licensure associate degree and baccalaureate
degree nursing education programs achieved higher
pass rates, and 16% averaged more than 10
percentage points lower than the national CY 2010
NCLEX-RN pass rate of 87.42%. In 2010, there
were 2,298 first-time Oklahoma-educated RN
candidates taking the NCLEX-RN exam, which is a
record high.
In CY 2010, first-time Oklahoma-educated
candidates for practical nurse licensure achieved an
NCLEX-PN pass rate of 91.95%, which is the
highest pass rate the state has achieved in the past
ten years. Between CY 2003 and CY 2010, the first-time
Oklahoma-educated NCLEX-PN candidate
averages ranked consistently above the national
NCLEX-PN average. Approximately 75% of all
campuses offering practical nursing education
achieved higher pass rates, and 8% averaged more
than 10 percentage points lower than the national
CY 2010 NCLEX-PN pass rate of 87.05%.
Oklahoma practical nursing programs ranked higher
than 29 other states or jurisdictions on the NCLEX-PN
exam in CY 2010. In 2010, there were 1,255
first-time Oklahoma-educated PN candidates taking
the NCLEX-PN exam.
Oklahoma nursing education program NCLEX-RN
and NCLEX-PN pass rate percentages per calendar
year from 2001 through 2010 are listed on pages 11-
14.
Page 11 OKLAHOMA BOARD OF NURSING NEWSLETTER November 2011
OKLAHOMA BOARD OF NURSING
FIRST-TIME NCLEX-RN CANDIDATE PASS RATE (Percent by Calendar Year)
#2010
Nursing Program 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Candidates
Bacone College - Muskogee 81.80 61.11 68.75 58.82 78.57 72.41 100.00 85.71 33.30 62.96 27
Carl Albert State College - Poteau 85.00 94.74 90.24 100.00 93.33 95.83 73.91 77.78 100.00 100.00 14
Carl Albert State College - Sallisaw N/A N/A N/A N/A 80.00 100.00 100.00 66.67 100.00 83.33 6
Connors State College - Warner 87.00 94.44 77.27 77.78 92.00 100.00 95.65 100.00 92.59 N/A N/A
Connors State College - Muskogee 100.00 100.00 87.50 78.79 91.67 100.00 91.43 100.00 97.62 95.80 72
East Central University - Ardmore N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 100.00 3
East Central University - Ada 100.00 91.67 91.30 82.05 88.00 79.07 83.33 94.29 97.30 85.71 35
East Central University - Durant N/A N/A 81.82 100 91.67 81.25 88.24 92.86 100.00 90.00 10
Eastern Okla State College - Wilburton 52.90 76.47 93.75 52.38 88.88 84.21 86.36 79.31 77.78 86.67 15
Eastern Okla State College - McAlester 61.10 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 92.86 80.00 100.00 14
Eastern Okla State College - Idabel 81.80 84.62 86.96 81.82 86.66 86.36 80.00 93.75 76.00 60.00 25
Langston University - Langston 53.30 42.86 100.00 100.00 80.00 87.50 60.00 85.71 83.33 83.33 18
Langston University - Tulsa 85.70 81.25 71.43 78.94 69.23 91.11 65.96 62.22 70.21 80.95 42
Murray State College - Tishomingo 73.20 66.67 96.00 85.71 87.50 98.04 80.70 71.43 78.57 72.92 48
Murray State College - Internet N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 84.21 83.33 18
Northeastern Okla A&M College - Miami 62.50 90.00 92.86 89.58 87.50 100.00 84.78 88.64 70.83 77.61 67
Northeastern Okla A&M College - Grove N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 100.00 100.00 100.00 85.71 100.00 5
Northern Oklahoma College - Tonkawa 100.00 90.00 92.86 90.00 86.21 81.25 95.83 80.00 80.00 92.31 26
Northern Oklahoma College - Enid 95.00 78.26 85.00 89.66 94.74 97.06 96.00 76.00 75.00 92.00 25
Northern Oklahoma College - Stillwater N/A N/A 100.00 100.00 88.24 86.36 87.50 86.96 85.71 91.67 24
Northwestern Okla State University - Alva 75.00 100.00 33.33 66.67 50.00 93.33 70.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 7
Northwestern Okla State University - Enid 83.33 83.33 100.00 88.89 82.35 100.00 73.33 88.89 100.00 100.00 9
Northwestern Okla State University - Woodward N/A N/A N/A N/A 66.67 50.00 100.00 N/A 100.00 100.00 1
Oklahoma Baptist University - Shawnee 96.30 94.74 93.33 86.96 80.00 65.71 90.91 87.50 80.95 91.49 47
Oklahoma Christian University - Okla City N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 88.24 88.89 63.64 22
Oklahoma City Community College - Okla City 85.20 85.86 89.00 86.61 83.47 85.71 89.55 92.78 91.75 92.57 202
Oklahoma City University - Okla City 77.80 63.64 58.00 57.89 92.59 97.67 92.11 97.73 94.74 98.25 57
Oklahoma State University - Okla City 86.90 88.41 86.00 81.61 89.42 96.04 93.97 83.33 90.70 86.36 154
Oklahoma State University - Goodwell 100.00 83.33 100.00 83.33 83.33 100.00 100.00 100.00 N/A N/A N/A
Oklahoma State University - Okmulgee N/A N/A N/A N/A 53.85 62.07 66.67 71.43 82.35 92.31 13
Oklahoma Wesleyan University - Bartlesville N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 70.00 66.67 100.00 9
Oral Roberts University -Tulsa 80.00 86.67 83.00 74.07 83.33 89.29 76.32 90.32 100.00 86.11 36
Page 12 OKLAHOMA BOARD OF NURSING NEWSLETTER November 2011
OKLAHOMA BOARD OF NURSING
FIRST-TIME NCLEX-RN CANDIDATE PASS RATE (Percent by Calendar Year)
# 2010
NURSING PROGRAM 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Candidates
Platt College - Okla City N/A N/A N/A N/A 84.00 69.39 47.57 56.18 59.26 68.35 79
Platt College - Tulsa N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 67.57 53.13 67.24 80.49 76.36 55
Re-Entry/Board Request N/A N/A N/A N/A 100.00 100.00 100.00 75.00 45.45 64.71 17
Redlands Community College - El Reno 90.30 84.62 88.89 69.49 87.17 94.74 83.72 95.24 96.43 88.89 27
Redlands Community College - Mercy Campus N/A N/A N/A 100.00 71.42 50.00 66.67 25.00 N/A N/A N/A
Redlands Community College - OU Medical Ctr. N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 58.33 N/A N/A N/A N/A
Rogers State University - Claremore N/A 97.14 92.50 86.96 85.00 96.77 92.00 92.16 77.05 93.88 49
Rogers State University - Bartlesville N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 100.00 6
Rose State College - Midwest City 90.00 77.42 87.01 87.36 92.75 95.95 85.23 95.55 81.65 81.71 82
Rose State College - Internet 87.50 81.25 93.10 93.55 79.17 100.00 90.00 77.78 88.89 86.36 22
Seminole State College - Seminole 100.00 77.78 84.21 88.00 85.71 90.48 76.19 87.50 92.00 80.00 20
Southern Nazarene University - Bethany 57.10 N/A 66.67 50.00 46.67 85.19 68.97 88.89 100.00 91.67 12
Southwestern OK State University - Weatherford 100.00 100.00 82.35 90.00 93.33 83.33 86.11 95.65 90.91 84.21 38
Tulsa Community College - Tulsa 79.50 86.30 85.86 92.78 88.37 90.48 91.60 95.53 94.06 90.00 130
University of Central Oklahoma - Edmond 86.10 83.61 78.85 90.91 91.89 93.55 90.24 89.71 91.01 87.91 91
University of Oklahoma - Mercy N/A 50 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
University of Oklahoma - Okla City 91.60 84.21 86.32 83.48 92.36 91.62 84.02 87.21 92.57 87.50 168
University of Oklahoma - Tulsa 100.00 100.00 100.00 96.15 100.00 94.44 90.00 88.89 94.44 93.83 81
University of Oklahoma - Lawton 88.57 78.13 96.00 90.63 80.56 82.05 59.52 82.46 97.96 82.35 51
University of Oklahoma - Woodward/Enid 100.00 80.00 100.00 100.00 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
University of Oklahoma - Internet Campus N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 100.00 100.00 100.00 96.08 92.86 210
University of Tulsa - Tulsa 94.40 82.35 88.24 53.33 80.00 95.45 77.27 100.00 90.48 92.86 28
Western Oklahoma State College - Altus 95.80 90.91 91.67 81.25 93.33 82.75 80.95 86.36 100.00 90.24 41
Western Oklahoma State College - Duncan N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 85.71 87.50 N/A N/A
Western Oklahoma State College - Elk City N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 84.62 91.67 84.62 13
Western Oklahoma State College - Lawton N/A N/A N/A N/A 92.86 82.35 75.00 88.46 100.00 76.67 30
Oklahoma Pass Rate 84.92 83.92 86.36 83.68 86.59 88.88 82.07 85.65 86.67 86.77 2,298
National Pass Rate 85.53 86.66 87.01 85.26 87.29 88.11 85.47 86.73 88.42 87.42 140,883
Page 13
OKLAHOMA BOARD OF NURSING NEWSLETTER November 2011
OKLAHOMA BOARD OF NURSING
FIRST-TIME NCLEX-PN CANDIDATE PASS RATE (Percent by Calendar Year)
#2010
NURSING PROGRAM 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Candidates
Autry Technology Center - Enid 80.00 95.24 93.75 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 90.00 93.33 90.00 10
Caddo-Kiowa Technology Center - Ft. Cobb 86.70 90.00 95.83 100.00 89.47 72.73 88.89 84.21 60.00 94.44 18
Canadian Valley Technology Center - Chickasha 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 95.24 93.75 100.00 100.00 85.71 100.00 20
Canadian Valley Technology Center - El Reno 100.00 88.89 82.35 100.00 95.24 100.00 88.24 100.00 100.00 100.00 20
Central Technology Center - Drumright 95.80 87.10 N/A 68.42 N/A 79.17 75.00 76.47 77.27 84.62 13
Central Technology Center - Sapulpa N/A N/A 100.00 95.00 95.24 88.10 80.00 72.22 86.67 100.00 9
Chisholm Trail Technology Center - Omega 80.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 77.78 100.00 83.33 71.43 7
Comanche Nation College - Lawton N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 83.33 6
Equivalency (Air Force) 100.00 100.00 56.25 85.71 N/A 70.00 89.47 83.33 N/A N/A N/A
Francis Tuttle Technology Center - Okla City 80.00 88.00 96.97 94.44 88.10 92.11 86.05 92.59 86.84 93.88 49
Gordon Cooper Technolgy Center - Shawnee 100.00 77.27 80.95 86.36 92.59 100.00 96.15 100.00 96.15 95.45 22
Great Plains Technology Center - Lawton 84.20 90.57 90.91 96.15 93.18 84.91 91.67 87.18 94.59 90.91 44
Great Plains Technology Center - Frederick N/A N/A 69.23 62.50 80.00 71.43 100.00 100.00 100.00 80.00 5
Great Plains Technology Center - Comanche Nation N/A N/A N /A N/A N/A 100.00 83.33 100.00 N/A N/A N/A
Green Country Technology Center - Okmulgee 58.30 69.23 90.91 83.33 95.45 70.83 90.48 62.50 83.33 66.67 27
High Plains Technology Center - Woodward 53.30 68.42 94.12 81.82 85.71 68.75 80.95 100.00 95.24 81.82 22
Indian Capital Technology Center - Tahlequah 100.00 84.62 90.00 100.00 90.91 100.00 100.00 91.67 100.00 100.00 14
Indian Capital Technology Center - Muskogee 100.00 100.00 90.91 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 93.75 91.67 12
Indian Capital Technology Center - Sallisaw 80.00 100.00 87.50 93.33 100.00 100.00 100.00 95.65 81.25 95.45 22
Indian Capital Technology Center - Stilwell 80.00 71.43 66.67 100.00 100.00 100.00 70.00 90.00 100.00 90.00 10
Kiamichi Technology Center - Antlers N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 100.00 11
Kiamichi Technology Center - Atoka N/A 66.67 N/A 91.30 N/A 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 N/A N/A
Kiamichi Technology Center - Durant 95.20 90.32 94.74 89.29 92.31 100.00 95.24 96.67 96.15 100.00 29
Kiamichi Technology Center - Hugo 76.50 94.44 95.24 95.24 100.00 95.24 95.83 100.00 100.00 100.00 17
Kiamichi Technology Center - Idabel 100.00 93.75 100.00 100.00 100.00 93.10 100.00 96.55 100.00 100.00 22
Kiamichi Technology Center - McAlester 90.90 100.00 88.89 100.00 94.12 95.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 14
Kiamichi Technology Center - Poteau 78.30 80.95 91.30 100.00 84.00 70.83 100.00 95.24 100.00 100.00 13
Kiamichi Technology Center - Stigler N/A 92.31 N/A 100.00 N/A 81.82 N/A 77.78 N/A 100.00 12
Kiamichi Technology Center - Talihina 100 88.89 N/A 90.00 N/A 100.00 N/A 100.00 N/A 100.00 4
Page 14 OKLAHOMA BOARD OF NURSING NEWSLETTER November 2011
OKLAHOMA BOARD OF NURSING
FIRST-TIME NCLEX-PN CANDIDATE PASS RATE (Percent by Calendar Year)
#2010
NURSING PROGRAM 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Candidates
Meridian Technology Center - Stillwater 84.60 70.00 90.63 90.00 100.00 77.78 94.74 90.00 64.71 72.00 25
Metro Technology Center - Okla City 78.90 90.91 82.61 90.00 90.00 97.30 92.31 91.80 95.12 95.65 46
Mid-America Technology Center - Wayne 86.70 90.91 79.17 91.30 91.30 87.50 96.00 95.24 86.96 100.00 24
Mid-Del Technology Cntr. - Midwest City 78.60 57.14 88.89 85.71 100.00 100.00 95.45 90.91 100.00 100.00 13
Moore Norman Tech. Cntr. - Norman 71.40 89.47 90.70 87.88 87.80 87.88 97.92 97.06 97.14 93.75 32
Northeast Technology Center - Afton 81.30 93.30 95.45 91.67 83.33 96.15 93.33 96.15 90.48 100.00 13
Northeast Technology Center - Claremore N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 88.89 9
Northeast Technology Center - Kansas 93.30 84.61 71.43 85.71 85.71 84.21 92.31 86.21 100.00 100.00 25
Northeast Technology Center - Pryor 95.70 100.00 91.30 100.00 95.65 88.24 86.36 95.45 88.46 100.00 24
Pioneer Technology Center - Ponca City 81.30 100.00 94.12 100.00 100.00 94.74 100.00 95.65 85.71 92.86 14
Platt College - Okla City 79.20 72.73 84.00 77.36 86.54 70.49 90.70 81.25 75.81 79.41 68
Platt College - Tulsa 94.30 87.88 86.15 90.77 93.15 97.22 93.67 98.73 95.52 97.26 73
Platt College - Lawton 76.70 70.27 93.55 86.49 86.96 83.33 83.33 91.67 75.00 93.75 16
Platt College - Moore N/A N/A N/A N/A 70.77 67.86 70.19 83.10 77.08 83.33 60
Pontotoc Technology Center - Ada 81.00 79.17 81.48 80.77 81.82 83.33 85.00 84.21 82.00 70.83 24
Partial RN Education taking PN 96.20 96.90 98.57 94.96 N/A 98.17 96.04 96.59 94.96 97.24 145
RN Failure Taking PN N/A N/A 97.30 95.65 N/A 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 6
Re-Entry/Board Request N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N /A N/A N/A 100.00 83.33 6
Red River Technology Center - Duncan 87.50 100.00 79.17 100.00 95.00 100.00 100.00 90.00 89.47 100.00 13
Southern Okla Tech. Cntr. - Ardmore 100.00 93.75 78.57 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 95.24 100.00 100.00 20
Southwest Technology Center - Altus 79.20 91.67 82.61 92.00 100.00 88.24 83.33 83.33 90.91 93.75 16
Tri County Tech. Cntr. - Bartlesville 96.30 80.00 97.14 96.00 100.00 91.18 97.06 93.94 87.18 92.31 39
Tulsa Technology Center - Tulsa 95.00 80.56 88.57 84.62 80.43 82.35 79.41 85.51 85.96 84.06 69
Tulsa Technology Center - St. Francis N/A N/A 100.00 100.00 100.00 N/A 100.00 100.00 N/A N/A N/A
Tulsa Technology Center - Hillcrest N/A N/A N/A 100.00 100.00 100.00 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Tulsa Technology Center - St. John's N/A N/A N/A 100.00 N/A N/A 100.00 N/A N/A N/A N/A
Wes Watkins Tech. Cntr. - Wetumka 100.00 100.00 100.00 92.86 100.00 87.50 100.00 77.78 88.89 100.00 9
Western Technology Center - Burns Flat 65.40 90.48 94.44 100.00 88.89 94.44 95.65 88.24 80.77 84.62 13
Oklahoma Pass Rate 86.41 86.07 89.21 91.81 90.95 88.95 90.14 90.90 89.43 91.95 1,255
National Pass Rate 86.46 86.50 88.21 89.36 89.06 87.87 87.25 85.62 85.73 87.6 66,818
Page 15 OKLAHOMA BOARD OF NURSING NEWSLETTER November 2011
OKLAHOMA NURSING POPULATION - FY 2011
Introduction
According to the 2011 Annual Report of the Oklahoma Board of Nursing, the State of Oklahoma continues to
have an increasing number of Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), and Advanced
Unlicensed Assistants (AUAs). At the end of FY 2011, there were a total of 43,586 Registered Nurses
licensed in the State of Oklahoma, which represents an increase of nearly 17% in the last five years. There are
also more Licensed Practical Nurses licensed in Oklahoma than there were five years ago, with a total of
17,991 currently licensed, an increase of more than 2% from five years ago. In addition, 649 Advanced
Unlicensed Assistants held certification through the Oklahoma Board of Nursing at the end of FY 2011.
Employment of the Nursing Population
Information regarding employment of licensees is gathered at the time of renewal. In FY 2011, 80% of RNs
and 71% of LPNs with active licenses reported employment in nursing at the time of license renewal. The
actual percentage of employed RNs and LPNs is likely even higher, since the employment status of new
licensees is shown as unknown until submission of the first renewal (the employment status is listed as
unknown for almost 10% of RNs and 17% of LPNs). Of those who live in Oklahoma and report employment
in nursing, 85% of RNs and 86% of LPNs work full-time.
Nurses Residing in Oklahoma and Reporting Employment in Nursing:
(Continued on page 16)
FIELD # RNs % RNs # LPNs %LPNs
Ambulatory Care 1,036 3.4% 319 2.6%
Case Management 811 2.7% 244 2%
Community/Public Health 1,188 3.9% 445 3.7%
Home Health 2,423 7.9% 1,890 15.5%
Hospital 18,566 60.9% 2,779 22.9%
Long-Term/Extended Care 1,450 4.8% 3,666 30.2%
Occupational Health 124 0.4% 98 0.8%
Other 2,508 8.2% 1,358 11.2%
Private Practice 1,202 3.9% 1,194 9.8%
School of Nursing 423 1.4% 129 1.1%
School Health 752 2.5% 29 0.2%
Unknown 9 0% 7 0%
Total 30,492 100% 12,158 100%
Page 16 OKLAHOMA BOARD OF NURSING NEWSLETTER November 2011
Education and Gender of the Nursing Population
The FY 2011 annual report also indicated that almost 52% of all RNs licensed in Oklahoma hold an associate
degree, and 32% hold a baccalaureate degree in nursing as the highest degree held. Less than 7% of RNs hold
graduate degrees in nursing. Approximately 8% of RNs and 6% of LPNs who are employed and residing in
Oklahoma are male. This percentage has remained unchanged for the past three years.
Advanced Practice Registered Nurses
Of the 43,586 RNs licensed in Oklahoma at the end of FY 2011, 2,010 held advanced practice recognition.
Advanced practice recognition is required for practice as an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP),
Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM), Certified Registered Nursing Anesthetist (CRNA), or Clinical Nurse Specialist
(CNS). The number of Registered Nurses holding advanced practice recognition has increased by 43% in the past
five years. The following table shows the population of advanced practice nurses in each of the four advanced
practice fields during the past five years:
Advanced Practice Registered Nurses Recognized in Oklahoma
The percent of advanced practice nurses with prescriptive authority also continues to rise. Currently, approximately
66% of advanced practice nurses hold either prescriptive authority recognition, or, in the case of Certified
Registered Nurse Anesthetists, authority to select, order, obtain, and administer drugs. Advanced Registered Nurse
Practitioners are most likely to obtain prescriptive authority recognition, with 86% of ARNPs holding prescriptive
authority recognition.
Conclusion
Significant increases in the Oklahoma Registered Nurse population in particular are noted over the past five years.
The population of Licensed Practical Nurses is holding steady, with a small increase noted. In addition, the
percentage of Registered Nurses holding advanced practice recognition has increased dramatically over the past
five years.
At the time of preparation of this newsletter, work on the 2011 Annual Report of the Oklahoma Board of Nursing
was being completed in preparation for publication. Once published, the Annual Report may be viewed in full on
the Board’s website: www.ok.gov/nursing, under the link for “Publications.”
(Continued from page 15)
Type of Recognition FY
2007
FY
2008
FY
2009
FY
2010
FY
2011
1 & 5 Year
Variances
ARNP 731 841 940 1,024 1,092  6.6% /  49.4%
CNM 46 53 59 57 58  1.8% /  26.1%
CNS 186 229 243 247 249  0.8% /  33.9%
CRNA 511 544 589 564 611  8.3% /  19.6%
TOTAL 1,474 1,667 1,831 1,892 2,010  6.2% /  36.4%
BOARD MEETING NOTICE
All Oklahoma Board of Nursing meetings are open to the public except those portions that may be in Ex-ecutive
Session. The first day of Board meetings generally begins at 5:30 p.m., with the second and third
day beginning at 8:00 a.m. All actions of the Board are taken in open session. Nurses, members of other
professional disciplines, students, and the public are invited to attend. Groups that plan to attend should
schedule their attendance in advance with the Board office to ensure that seating is available. There is an
Open Forum on the first day of each Board meeting. Anyone wishing to address the Board about a nurs-ing
issue should contact Kim Glazier, Executive Director, and request to be placed on the agenda for the
Open Forum. Committee meetings are also open to the public. Please call ahead if you plan to attend, as
dates, times, and locations may be changed. The committee meetings are cancelled and rescheduled if it
is determined that a quorum will not be present.
OKLAHOMA BOARD OF NURSING MEMBERS
TERM ENDS
Liz Michael, RN, MS, President 2013
Joni Jeter, RN, MS, Vice-President 2014
Lauri Jones, RN, BSN, Secretary-Treasurer 2015
Linda Martin, LPN 2011
Elizabeth Schultz, CRNA, MS 2011
Nettie Seale, RN, MEd 2011
Francene Weatherby, PhD, RN 2012
Linda Coyer, LPN 2012
Jean Winter, LPN 2013
June Cash, Public Member 2011
Page 17 OKLAHOMA BOARD OF NURSING NEWSLETTER November 2011
Oklahoma Board of Nursing
Generally begins 1st day - 5:30 p.m.
2nd & 3rd day - 8:00 a.m.
Please check agenda for time.
Nov. 8, 9, & 10, 2011
Jan. 31, Feb. 1, & 2, 2012
March 27, 28, & 29, 2012
May 22, 23, & 24, 2012
July 24, 25, & 26, 2012
Sept. 25, 26, & 27, 2012
Nov. 6, 7, & 8, 2012
Wyndham Garden Hotel
2101 S. Meridian
Oklahoma City, OK
405-685-4000
Advanced Practice Advisory
Committee
February 23, 2012 Board office
CRNA Formulary
Advisory Council
April 23, 2012 Board office
MEETING DATE SITES
SUMMARY OF BOARD ACTIVITIES
During the March 2011 Board meeting, the Board:
 Appointed Kelligh Lloyd, RN, to the Peer Assistance Committee;
 Accepted a follow-up report from Platt College Associate Degree Nursing Program, Tulsa;
 Accepted a follow-up report from Comanche Nation College Practical Nursing Program, Lawton, and
granted Full Approval status for a period of two (2) years;
 Accepted a survey visit report for Platt College Associate Degree Nursing Program, Oklahoma City,
and granted Full Approval status for a period of two (2) years;
 Accepted a report on 2010 NCLEX pass rates for Oklahoma nursing education programs;
 Accepted a survey visit report for Francis Tuttle Technology Center Practical Nursing Program,
Oklahoma City, and granted continuing Full Approval status for a period of five (5) years;
 Accepted a survey visit report for Western Oklahoma State College Associate Degree Nursing
Program, campuses in Altus, Lawton, and Elk City, and granted continuing Full Approval status for a
period of five (5) years; and
 Accepted a curriculum change request and the addition of a high school option for Indian Capital
Technology Center Practical Nursing Program, campuses in Muskogee, Tahlequah, Stilwell, and
Sallisaw.
During the May 2011 Board meeting, the Board:
 Reviewed and approved proposed revisions or accepted without revision the following policies,
procedures, or guidelines:
o Determining Appropriate Faculty to Student Ratios in the Clinical Area in Board-Approved
Nursing Education Programs Guidelines, #E-09
o Registered Nurse in Administering, Managing and Monitoring Non-Obstetrical Patients
Receiving Analgesia/Anesthesia by Catheter Techniques (Epidural, PCEA and Intrathecal
Catheters) Guidelines,#P-03
o Registered Nurse Monitoring Obstetrical Patients Receiving Analgesia/Anesthesia by Catheter
Techniques (Epidural, PCEA and Intrathecal Catheters) Guidelines, #P-04
o Evaluation Criteria Investigation Division, #I-13
o Self-Assessment Report Guidelines, #I-16;
 Appointed Tim Castoe, RN, CARN, and Jayne Oertle, RN, MSN, CNS, CARN, to the Peer Assistance
Committee;
 Accepted a survey visit report for Oklahoma Christian University, Oklahoma City, and granted
continuing Full Approval status for five (5) years;
 Accepted curriculum change request for Kiamichi Technology Center, campuses in Atoka, Idabel,
Antlers, Durant, Hugo, Poteau, Stigler, Talihina, and McAlester;
 Accepted 2010 NCLEX pass rate reports and committee recommendations on the following nursing
education programs:
o Bacone College, Muskogee
o Eastern Oklahoma State College, Idabel
o Green Country Technology Center, Okmulgee
o Meridian Technology Center, Stillwater
(Continued on page 19)
PAGE 18 OKLAHOMA BOARD OF NURSING NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2011
o Murray State College, Tishomingo
o Platt College- Associate Degree, Oklahoma City
o Platt College- Associate Degree, Tulsa
o Pontotoc Technology Center, Ada
o Oklahoma Christian University, Edmond
o Western Oklahoma State College, Lawton;
 Accepted a report on 2010 pass rates for Advanced Unlicensed Assistant programs;
 Accepted survey visit reports and granted continuing Full Approval status for five (5) years for the
following programs:
o Northern Oklahoma College, campuses in Tonkawa, Stillwater, and Enid
o Southern Nazarene University, Bethany; and
 Approved curriculum change requests for the following programs:
o Western Technology Center, Burns Flat
o Central Technology Center, campuses in Drumright and Sapulpa.
During the July 2011 Board meeting, the Board:
 Reviewed and approved proposed revisions or accepted without revision the following policies,
procedures, or guidelines:
o CRNA Inclusionary Formulary, #P-50A
o Continuance of Hearings Policy, #I-01
o Approved Skills List for Performance by Board-Certified Advanced Unlicensed Assistants, #E-
43
o Moderate (Conscious) Sedation Guidelines for Registered Nurse Managing and Monitoring
Patients, #P-06;
 Accepted survey visit reports and granted continuing Full Approval status for five (5) years for the
following programs:
o Pontotoc Technology Center, Ada
o Oklahoma Baptist University, Shawnee
o East Central University, campuses in Ada, Durant, and Ardmore
o Oklahoma Wesleyan University, Bartlesville
o Red River Technology Center, Duncan
o High Plains Technology Center, Woodward; and
 Accepted survey visit report and granted Full Approval status for three (3) years for ITT Technical
Institute, Oklahoma City.
Minutes of the meetings of the Oklahoma Board of Nursing are
available for review on the Board’s website: www.ok.gov/nursing.
Click on the link for “Board Info.”
(Continued from page 18)
PAGE 19 OKLAHOMA BOARD OF NURSING NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2011
OKLAHOMA BOARD OF NURSING
2915 N. CLASSEN BLVD., SUITE 524
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73106
(405) 962-1800 www.ok.gov/nursing
PRSRT STD
U. S. POSTAGE
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73106
PERMIT NO. 398
This publication, printed by the University Printing Services, is issued by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing as au-thorized
by the Oklahoma Nursing Practice Act [59 O.S. Section 567.1] 62,800 copies have been prepared and
distributed at a cost of $12,124.00. Copies have been deposited with the Publications Clearinghouse of the Okla-homa
Department of Libraries [74.O.S. Section 3105 B].

November 2011
Amendments to ONPA Impact
Peer Assistance Program
2
Amendments to the Oklahoma
Nursing Practice Act Take Ef-fect
November 1, 2011
3
Continuing Qualifications for
Practice to be Required for Li-cense
Renewal
5
Graduating from a Nursing
Program and Passing the Licen-sure
Exam: What Should You
Know?
6
Discipline Information Now
Available on the Board’s Web-site
9
OBN Launches a “Green” Ini-tiative
9
NCLEX-RN and PN Pass Rates
For CY 2010
10
Oklahoma Nursing Popula-tion—
FY 2011
15
Board Meeting Notice
17
Summary of Board Activities
18
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Choices
By Liz Michael, RN, MS
Board President
VOLUME 25 ISSUE 1
OKLAHOMA BOARD OF NURSING
2915 N. Classen Boulevard, Suite 524
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73106
Phone: 405-962-1800
Website: www.ok.gov/nursing
OKLAHOMA BOARD OF NURSING NEWSLETTER
When you decided on your chosen
profession, did you understand all of
the implications that might come in to
play? For instance, did you take into
consideration how your behavior off
the job might impact how you are
perceived in the workplace or that your
livelihood could be affected by the
choices you make in the heat of the
moment?
There are many professions that are
held to higher standards of behavior;
physicians, teachers, police officers,
firefighters, judges, nurses, and
members of the clergy come to mind,
although I am sure there are many
more. We are taught to trust and respect
these professionals due to the services
they provide. In the provision of those
services, they must continue to earn
that trust and respect.
Nursing is one of those professions
where it is imperative for a trust
relationship to develop. Patients
literally place their lives in the nurse’s
hands because they trust that the nurse
will do what is appropriate and take the
very best care of them. Families trust
that when they leave a loved one in the
care of a nurse, the loved one will
get the care expected. Whether in a
clinic, school, home health,
hospital, or other setting where a
nurse may work, nurses are
responsible for building and
nurturing trust relationships with
the patients they care for.
Trustworthiness is a desired
characteristic in all of the
professions mentioned above. We
trust our well-being to each of
them at some point in time, so how
do we respond when that trust is
compromised? Consider this:
Would you feel safe if a police
officer broke into a home when he
or she was not on duty? Would
you want a physician caring for
your loved one after being arrested
for domestic abuse? How about
finding out that your child’s
teacher has been diverting cash
from a school fund-raiser? Or that
the nurse you trusted with your
mother’s life had been convicted
of elder abuse? Trust would
disappear, and fear would take its
place. We would be disappointed,
(Continued on page 2)
Page 2 OKLAHOMA BOARD OF NURSING NEWSLETTER November 2011
disillusioned, and in some instances angry, because
we expect more from these professionals.
Each one of these scenarios represents an extreme
behavior that happened while the individuals were off
duty, but that nevertheless impacted their professional
statuses and careers. The professionals made
conscious decisions to break trust. They were held
accountable for their actions and lost their livelihoods
because of the choices they made. Are they being
held to a higher standard than others who might
(Continued from page 1)
commit the same crimes? Possibly, but they chose
to be in professions where they are held in high
regard.
Whether on duty or off duty, your behavior matters.
How you live your life and the example you set
before others matters. None of us is perfect, and we
all make mistakes, but sometimes you should stop
and ask yourself the question, “Will what I am
about to do negatively impact my life or career?” If
there is any question, choose to stop.
AMENDMENTS TO ONPA IMPACT PEER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
House Bill 1275, which was signed into law by the
Governor and becomes effective November 1, 2011,
has two changes affecting the Peer Assistance Program
(“Program”). The first change (59 O.S. §567.17(J))
affirmatively states that participants are responsible for
the costs related to participation in the Program. The
Rules of the Oklahoma Board of Nursing (OAC
485:10-19-6(2)) and the contractual agreement with the
Program have required that the financial cost of
participation be assumed by participants, so this does
not change current practice in the Program for
participants.
The second change (59 O.S. §567.17(K)) directs
conditions to be placed on the licensure status of nurses
entering the Program, whether their application is
voluntary or ordered by the Board. These conditions
will remain in place during the nurses’ periods of
participation in the Program. This is a change that will
affect those nurses who choose to enter the Program
voluntarily. It will not affect nurses who are in the
Program before November 1, 2011. For nurses who
voluntarily enter the Program without Board action, the
conditions are non-disciplinary.
For nurses entering the Program beginning on
November 1, 2011, the Board will now acknowledge
that the nurse is participating in the Program. The
records of the nurses in the Program will continue to be
confidential as long as the nurse is compliant with the
Program contract(s). Records of nurse participants
include, but are not limited to reports, memoranda,
statements, interviews, and other documents. Records
of the nurse may also be made public by a subpoena
and court order (59 O.S. §567.17(F)).
This change has occurred because it was identified as a
public protection issue. Nursing employers have
requested that they be able to identify if a nurse is in
the Peer Assistance Program and not have to rely on the
nurse to give them this information. Nurses in the Peer
Assistance Program have always been required to
notify employers and potential employers of their
participation in the Program through their contract with
the Program. This change will promote the
accountability of the nurse participant to abide by this
requirement.
Page 3 OKLAHOMA BOARD OF NURSING NEWSLETTER November 2011
AMENDMENTS TO THE OKLAHOMA NURSING PRACTICE ACT
TAKE EFFECT NOVEMBER 1, 2011
Amendments to the Oklahoma Nursing Practice Act
were passed unanimously by the Legislature and signed
by Governor Mary Fallin during the 2011 Legislative
Session. The amended Oklahoma Nursing Practice Act
will take effect November 1, 2011. In this article, we
will review the amendments to the Act and their impact
on Oklahoma nurses.
Advanced Practice Registered Nurses
Many of the amendments to the Oklahoma Nursing
Practice Act are related to advanced practice nursing.
The title of advanced practice nurses as a group
changes to Advanced Practice Registered Nurses
(APRN), and the title of advanced registered nurse
practitioners changes to Certified Nurse Practitioners
(CNP). All Advanced Practice Registered Nurses,
including Certified Nurse Practitioners (CNP),
Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM), Clinical Nurse
Specialists (CNS), and Certified Registered Nurse
Anesthetists (CRNA), are required to use the title
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) and their
specific specialty role title (CNP, CNM, CNS, or
CRNA) in their communications with the public. For
example, the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
might sign his or her name “Jane Doe, APRN-CNP” or
“John Doe, APRN, CRNA” (the law does not specify
whether a dash, comma, or space should separate the
two portions of the title). The amended statute also
establishes a criminal penalty for using the title
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, or APRN; any of
the specialty role titles or abbreviations; or any other
language that may lead people to believe that the user is
an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, unless the user
of the title is licensed as an APRN by the Oklahoma
Board of Nursing. Effective November 1, 2011,
Advanced Practice Registered Nurses will hold
licenses, rather than recognitions, in advanced practice
registered nursing and their specialty roles. CNP, CNS,
or CNM authority to prescribe, as well as CRNA
authority to select, order, obtain, and administer drugs,
will remain as a separate recognition for qualified
APRNs.
In addition, the definition of advanced practice
registered nursing is amended to better define the
role of the APRN, by incorporating the following
statements into the definition: “who has acquired
advanced clinical knowledge and skills in
preparation for providing both direct and indirect
care to patients; however, the defining factor for
all Advanced Practice Registered Nurses is that a
significant component of the education and
practice focuses on direct care of individuals”
[OS 59 §567.3a(5)(c)] and “whose practice builds
on the competencies of Registered Nurses by
demonstrating a greater depth and breadth of
knowledge, a greater synthesis of data, and
increased complexity of skills and
interventions….” [OS 59 §567.3a(5)(d)].
One section of the amended Oklahoma Nursing
Practice Act impacting Advanced Practice
Registered Nurses does not take effect until
January 1, 2016. On that date, an applicant for
licensure as an Advanced Practice Registered
Nurse must have completed a graduate level
advanced practice registered nursing education
program in at least one of the following
population foci: family/individual across the
lifespan, adult-gerontology, neonatal, pediatrics,
women’s health/gender-related, or
psychiatric/mental health nursing. Advanced
Practice Registered Nurses licensed by the Board
prior to January 1, 2016, may continue to hold
advanced practice licensure with their current
specialty certification, even if it is not in one of
the above population foci.
The amended Oklahoma Nursing Practice Act
also establishes a process for licensure by
endorsement for Advanced Practice Registered
Nurses who hold recognition in another state. In
addition, the amendments establish requirements
for approval of advanced practice registered
(Continued on page 4)
Page 4 OKLAHOMA BOARD OF NURSING NEWSLETTER November 2011
nursing education programs, which will become
effective on January 1, 2016.
Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, and
Advanced Unlicensed Assistants
The amended Act also changes the official title of an
Advanced Unlicensed Assistive Person (AUAP) to
Advanced Unlicensed Assistant (AUA). It dissolves the
Board’s Advanced Unlicensed Assistant Advisory
Committee, the functions of which are incorporated
into the Board’s Nursing Education and Practice
Advisory Committee.
The amended Act establishes requirements for initial
licensure of Registered Nurses or Licensed Practical
Nurses, or for initial certification as Advanced
Unlicensed Assistants, including a requirement for a
federal criminal background check and a minimum age
of 18 for eligibility. The requirement for the federal
criminal background check becomes effective January
1, 2013.
Payment of Fees Not Honored by Financial
Institution
A new provision of the Act requires the Executive
Director to suspend the license of certificate of a person
who submits a check, money draft, or similar
instrument for payment of a fee that is not honored by
the financial institution named. The suspension
becomes effective ten days following the delivery by
certified mail of written notice to the person’s address
on file at the Board office. The person may reinstate
upon payment of the fees and any and all costs
associated with the notice and collection.
Disciplinary Action
The amendments clarify the Board’s responsibility to
take disciplinary action on a licensee or certificate
holder who defaults from the Peer Assistance Program
for any reason, fails to maintain professional
boundaries with patients, or engages in sexual
misconduct with a current or former patient or key
party inside or outside the health care setting.
(Continued from page 3)
In addition, the amendments allow the Board to
retain jurisdiction over any person issued a license,
certificate, or temporary license after the license has
expired, lapsed, or been relinquished during or after
the alleged occurrence or conduct. As well, the
amended Act requires the Executive Director to
suspend the license or certificate of any individual
who has been sentenced to a period of continuous
incarceration.
Exceptions to the Act
Exceptions to the Oklahoma Nursing Practice Act
are amended to better define the parameters for a
nurse who is called into attendance to a patient
temporarily in Oklahoma. The amendments also
provide an exception for a nurse who is licensed in
another state or territory and who is a military
spouse, allowing that individual to obtain a
temporary license for 120 days while meeting all
requirements for full licensure.
Peer Assistance Program
The amended Oklahoma Nursing Practice Act
clarify that the costs for participation in the Peer
Assistance Program are the responsibility of the
participant. In addition, the amendments establish
that conditions will be placed on the license of the
participant during the period of participation in the
Peer Assistance Program.
Summary
The purpose of the amendments to the Oklahoma
Nursing Practice Act is to enhance the Board’s
ability to protect the public, by ensuring well-qualified
applicants for licensure and certification,
and by defining the responsibility of licensees and
the Board. The full text of the Oklahoma Nursing
Practice Act may be reviewed on the Board’s
website: www.ok.gov/nursing. Click on the link for
“Nursing Practice Act” on the side of the page. If
you have any questions regarding the amendments,
feel free to call the Board office at (405) 962-1804.
CONTINUING QUALIFICATIONS FOR PRACTICE
TO BE REQUIRED FOR LICENSE RENEWAL
Page 5 OKLAHOMA BOARD OF NURSING NEWSLETTER November 2011
*CHANGE OF ADDRESS*
Please Mail To: Oklahoma Board of Nursing
2915 N. Classen Blvd., Ste. 524
Oklahoma City, OK 73106
I need to report my change of address to the Oklahoma Board of Nursing.
Address changes may also be made on the Board’s website: www.ok.gov/nursing.
License Number ________________________________(Or) Social Security Number ___________________________
Full Name _________________________________________ Signature (*required) _____________________________
New Address _______________________________________________________________________________________
Old Address ________________________________________________________________________________________
* In accordance with OAC 485:10-7-9 & 485:10-9-9 it is the legal duty of a licensed nurse to notify the Oklahoma Board of Nursing of a
change of address in writing within 30 days of the change.
The Rules of the Oklahoma Board of Nursing were
amended recently, taking effect on July 1, 2011. One
significant change in the rules relates to the need for
evidence of continuing qualifications for practice prior
to renewal of a Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical
Nurse license. The updated Rules are available for view
the Board’s website.
Beginning January 1, 2014, all RNs and LPNs
renewing their licenses will be required to meet one of
the following requirements for renewal within the two
(2) years prior to the date of expiration of the license:
(1) Verify employment in a position that requires a
registered/practical nurse license with
verification of at least 520 work hours (Please
note: this requirement is not exclusive to
clinical positions. Other positions may also
incorporate nursing knowledge and skills and
require RN or LPN licensure. Examples
include, but are not limited to nurse
administrators, nurse educators, and nurse
researchers.); or
(2) Verify the completion of at least twenty-four
(24) contact hours of continuing education
applicable to nursing practice; or
(3) Verify current certification in a nursing
specialty area; or
(4) Verify completion of a Board-approved
refresher course; or
(5) Verify completion of at least six (6)
academic semester credit hours of nursing
coursework at the licensee’s current level of
licensure or higher.
Because at least one of the above five options must
have been completed within the two years prior to
the date of expiration of the license, RNs should
begin their efforts to meet the continuing
qualifications requirements during the two years
prior to the expiration date of their licenses in 2014.
Additionally, LPNs should begin planning for
meeting their continuing qualifications
requirements two years before they are due to
renew in 2015.
Also, please make note that a random audit will be
routinely conducted, requiring the audited nurse to
present evidence to support the continuing
qualification he/she indicated on renewal. If you
have questions about the requirements, feel free to
call the Board office.
Page 6
OKLAHOMA BOARD OF NURSING NEWSLETTER November 2011
GRADUATING FROM A NURSING PROGRAM
AND PASSING THE LICENSURE EXAM:
WHAT SHOULD YOU KNOW?
You have graduated from your nursing program,
are waiting to take your National Council Licensure
Examination (NCLEX), and life is good! Now all
you have to do is go to work, do as directed, and all
will be taken care of…right? Well, not exactly.
There are guidelines to guide your employment in a
health care facility after graduating from a nursing
education program yet prior to obtaining licensure.
Employment before Licensure
Employment of Nursing Students or Non-Licensed
Graduates Guidelines provide direction when a
nursing student or recent graduate of a nursing
education program is employed by a health care
institution. Recent graduates of nursing education
programs may be hired to perform basic nursing
assistant skills as well as other technical skills
learned in the nursing education program, under the
supervision of a Registered Nurse, prior to
obtaining nurse licensure. The title used for this
position according to the Employment of Nursing
Students or Non-Licensed Graduates Guidelines is
“Nurse Technician” or “Practical Nurse
Technician”; however, some facilities may use
other titles for this role. The Nurse Technician or
Practical Nurse Technician MAY NOT administer
medication (including but not limited to blood
products and intravenous fluids), perform
assessments, act in a supervisory position, take
verbal orders from the physician or other health
care provider, or develop the plan of care. The
graduate may continue to be employed in a Nurse
Technician role until licensed in any state, territory,
or country, provided that the first licensure
examination is taken within 90 days after
graduation and the examination is passed within 6
months of graduation, on either the first or second
attempt. The Employment of Nursing Students or
Non-Licensed Graduates Guidelines can be
accessed at http://www.ok.gov/nursing/ed-guide.
pdf.
You must obtain a license before orienting or
working in a position requiring a nursing license.
Failure to do so results in practicing nursing without a
license. You may participate in general hospital
orientation that is non-specific to your future position
that requires a nursing license.
Know Your Scope of Practice
You have now successfully passed your NCLEX
exam, obtained a nursing license, completed
orientation to your role in a health care facility, and
know all that you need to know in providing safe
nursing care. Right? WRONG! As a newly-licensed
nurse, you need to be thoroughly familiar with the
Oklahoma Nursing Practice Act and Rules. These
documents provide the legal basis for your practice.
It is the responsibility of the newly licensed nurse to
become familiar with nursing licensure regulation.
This can be easily accomplished through the Board of
Nursing website: www.ok.gov/nursing.
 The first step is to become familiar with your
scope of practice. The scope of practice is
included in the Nursing Practice Act. For
Registered Nurses, see Section 567.3a.3, and for
Licensed Practical Nurses, see Section 567.3a.4.
Licensed practical nursing means the practice of
nursing under the supervision or direction of a
Registered Nurse, licensed physician, or dentist.
 The scope of practice does not provide a listing
of all acts permissible at your level of licensure.
When questioning whether you can perform a
specific act, you may access the Decision-
Making Model for Scope of Nursing Practice
Decisions: Determining Advanced Practice
Registered Nurse, Registered Nurse, and
Licensed Practical Nurse Scope of Practice
Guidelines (Decision-Making Model). The
model can be reviewed on the homepage by
accessing “Guidelines” or at http:www.ok.gov/
(Continued on page 7)
Page 7 OKLAHOMA BOARD OF NURSING NEWSLETTER November 2011
nursing/prac-decmak.pdf. To determine if the act is
within your scope of practice, move through the
seven questions. If uncertainty continues, contact the
Board of Nursing.
 In protecting both the public and your license, you
need to be aware of what acts may result in denial,
revocation or suspension of your nursing license.
This information is included in the Nursing Practice
Act, specifically Section 567.8.
 Unprofessional conduct, included in the list of causes
for imposition of disciplinary action, is defined in the
Rules, specifically Section 485:10-11-1(b)(3). Rules
may be accessed through the legend on the left of the
homepage.
Use Board Guidelines and Other Resources
Additional information helpful in your practice
environment can be found under “Guidelines” on the
Board of Nursing website: http://www.ok.gov/nursing/
prac1/html. Guidelines particularly useful to the new
nurse include but are not limited to the following:
 Abandonment Statement: This statement provides
information specific to acts that may be considered
patient abandonment, and acts that may not be
considered as patient abandonment. The direct link to
this guideline is http://www.ok.gov/nursing/prac-aband.
pdf.
 Delegation of Nursing Functions to Unlicensed
Persons: While the guideline advises that delegation
must fall within the nurse’s respective scope of
practice and must occur within the framework of the
job description of the delegatee and organizational
policies and procedures, it also lists nursing tasks
that require nursing assessment, judgment,
evaluation, and teaching during implementation that
cannot be delegated. These tasks include physical,
psychological, and social assessment; formulation of
the nursing plan of care and evaluation of the client’s
response to care provided; and the administration of
medications except as authorized by state and/or
federal regulations. This guideline can be accessed at
http://www.ok.gov/nursing/delegation.pdf.
 IV Medication Administration by Licensed Practical
Nurses Statement: IV therapy and medication
administration may be within the scope of practice of
the Licensed Practical Nurse who has appropriate
educational training and under supervision. In
(Continued from page 6)
addition to other valuable information, the
guideline identifies the responsibility of the
assessment and analysis of the assessment
data to determine nursing care needs as that
of the Registered Nurse. The guideline can
b e a c c e s s e d a t
http://www.ok.gov/nursing/IVMed.pdf.
�� Moderate (Conscious) Sedation Guidelines
for Registered Nurse Managing and
Monitoring Patients: This guideline includes
qualifications for the administration,
management, and/or monitoring by
Registered Nurses as well as the process for
providing this act. The most frequent issue
surrounding this guideline includes what
medications the Registered Nurse may
administer. It is noted that a licensed nurse
who is not a Certified Registered Nurse
Anesthetist may not administer or monitor
any and all drugs used in general
anesthesia or moderate (conscious)
sedation if the drug manufacturer’s
general warning advise the drug should be
administered and monitored by persons
experienced in the use of general
anesthesia who are not involved in the
conduct of the surgical and/or diagnostic
procedure. For access: http://www.ok.gov/
nursing/prac-rnguid.pdf.
 Monitoring of the Moderate (Conscious)
Sedation Patient by Licensed Practical Nurse
Guidelines: Differing from the guideline
listed previously, this guideline is specific to
the role of the Licensed Practical Nurse
(LPN) in monitoring moderate (conscious)
sedation. It should be noted that the
administration of medication to and the
management of the moderate sedation
remains the responsibility of the Registered
Nurse, licensed physician, or dentist. The
LPN monitoring the patient receiving
moderate sedation shall have no other
responsibilities that would leave the patient
unattended or would compromise continuous
monitoring. This guideline can be accessed at
http://www.ok.gov/nursing/prac-lpnguid.pdf.
 Patient Assessment Guidelines: The purpose
of this guideline is to identify the roles of the
(Continued on page 8)
Page 8 OKLAHOMA BOARD OF NURSING NEWSLETTER November 2011
NOTICE TO LICENSEES SUBMITTING ONLINE RENEWALS:
The OBN online renewal system provides a convenient way for you to
submit your renewal. However, it is essential that you protect the secu-rity
of your online information. Your PIN number, which is required for
the renewal, should not be shared with anyone, even with your spouse or
with support staff members at your place of employment who tell you
that it is their “job” to submit the renewal for you. You are the only per-son
who can complete and submit your online renewal!
Registered Nurse (RN) and Licensed Practical
Nurse (LPN) in the assessment of patients. Both
the comprehensive nursing assessment (to be
performed by the RN) and focused assessments
(allowed to be performed by LPNs) are defined,
as well as the licensed nurse’s role in nursing
assessment. Access is provided at http://
www.ok.gov/nursing/ptassessgl.pdf
 Frequently Asked Questions: The Board staff
receives questions from licensed nurses and
other stakeholders regarding nursing practice
issues. The Board of Nursing has trended these
questions and provided a listing of the
frequently asked questions as a resource for
nurses. Do note that the questions and answers
provided are included for illustration ONLY and
cannot be relied upon as correct under ALL
circumstances. Each situation may present
unique facts for consideration on a case-by-case
basis. The questions can be accessed at http://
www.ok.gov/nursing/practicefaq.pdf.
Preparing for Renewal
Nursing licensure renewal is required. If you are a
Licensed Practical Nurse, your license will expire on
the last day of your birth month during odd years.
(Continued from page 7)
Registered Nurses must renew their nursing
licenses on or before the last day of the birth
month during even years. Nurses who are not U.S.
citizens, U.S. nationals, or permanent legal
resident aliens may have different expiration dates.
Licensure renewal is the responsibility of the
licensee, and may be performed online within 90
days prior to the license expiration date. Failure to
renew by the expiration date will result in a lapsed
license, requiring the licensee to cease nursing
practice and to proceed through the license
reinstatement process. Beginning in January 2014,
licensed nurses will be required to indicate
continuing qualifications for license renewal. The
requirements for continuing qualifications for
practice are included in the Rules, specifically
485:10-7-3 (e)(1) – (5).
Summary
Recognizing the importance of providing safe
patient care and in an attempt to provide an
orientation to nursing regulation, the above
information has been provided as a support for
newly licensed nurses. If you have practice
questions that are not addressed, do not hesitate to
call the Board of Nursing at (405) 962-1800.
Page 9 OKLAHOMA BOARD OF NURSING NEWSLETTER November 2011
OBN LAUNCHES A “GREEN” INITIATIVE
In the FY 2012 - 2016 Strategic Plan of the Oklahoma
Board of Nursing, one of the Key Performance
Measures is to achieve a 50% reduction in the use of
paper for the office operations. To implement this
measure, the Oklahoma Board of Nursing (OBN) will
undertake several actions over the next several years,
including converting the current Oklahoma Board of
Nursing Newsletter to an electronic format.
The November 2011 Newsletter will be the last
hard-copy newsletter you receive from OBN. In
Spring 2012, OBN will make the newsletter available
on its website: www.ok.gov/nursing. In addition, OBN
has begun requesting email addresses for all licensed
nurses on initial applications and at the time of
renewal, with the goal of providing the newsletter,
as well as other communication from OBN, to each
nurse via email in the future.
OBN’s website provides a wealth of information
for the practicing nurse, including access to forms
and applications, practice guidelines and policies,
practice news and alerts, nursing education
guidelines and policies, minutes of Board and
committee meetings, and OBN data. We encourage
all licensed nurses to check the OBN website
frequently for new information that may impact
them.
DISCIPLINE INFORMATION NOW AVAILABLE ON THE BOARD’S WEBSITE
Effective July 1, 2011, the Board’s disciplinary orders
are provided online dating back to January 2009. Board
Orders are usually posted within two (2) months of the
nurse’s administrative hearing. To access discipline, go
to the Board’s website and click on the link to “License
Verification.” If there has been disciplinary action taken
since Jnaury 2009, there will be a “Y” under Discipline
Since 1/09.” Click on the “Y” to review and/or print the
related information.
For certified copies of the disciplinary action, or for
disciplinary action taken prior to January 2009, a request
for Written Verification of Licensure and the
appropriate fee will need to be submitted to the
Board. You may obtain the appropriate form on
the Board’s website on the following link:
www.ok.gov/nursing/writverify.pdf. Submit the
completed form with the fee to the Oklahoma
Board of Nursing requesting a copy of the
disciplinary records. Alternatively, you may visit
the Board office to request the open records.
To verify licensure status and expiration date, please go to the Board’s website:
www.ok.gov/nursing.
Click on the link for “License Verification.”
Do you have questions related to the Board’s regulations and guidelines?
You may access the Oklahoma Nursing Practice Act, Rules of the Oklahoma
Board of Nursing, and Board guidelines on the Board’s website:
www.ok.gov/nursing.
NCLEX-RN AND PN PASS RATES FOR CY 2010
Page 10 OKLAHOMA BOARD OF NURSING NEWSLETTER November 2011
In the State of Oklahoma, there are 34 registered
nursing education programs and 31 practical nursing
education programs that lead to initial licensure.
These programs graduated 3,408 students during FY
2011. After graduation, graduates take the National
Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to
become licensed in the state or territory to which
they have applied. In Calendar Year (CY) 2010,
2,298 graduates of Oklahoma registered nursing
education programs took the NCLEX-RN, and 1,255
graduates of Oklahoma practical nursing education
programs took the NCLEX-PN as first-time
candidates.
Oklahoma-educated first-time candidates for
registered nurse licensure achieved an overall
86.77% NCLEX-RN pass rate in CY 2010. This is
the second highest NCLEX-RN pass rate that the
state has achieved in the past ten years. The highest
NCLEX-RN Oklahoma pass rate of 88.88%
occurred in CY 2006. The Oklahoma NCLEX-RN
pass rate rose for the fourth consecutive year,
ranking higher than 21 other states and jurisdictions.
Between CY 2007 and 2010, the Oklahoma
NCLEX-RN pass rate rose from 82.07% to 86.77%.
Approximately 53% of all campuses in Oklahoma
pre-licensure associate degree and baccalaureate
degree nursing education programs achieved higher
pass rates, and 16% averaged more than 10
percentage points lower than the national CY 2010
NCLEX-RN pass rate of 87.42%. In 2010, there
were 2,298 first-time Oklahoma-educated RN
candidates taking the NCLEX-RN exam, which is a
record high.
In CY 2010, first-time Oklahoma-educated
candidates for practical nurse licensure achieved an
NCLEX-PN pass rate of 91.95%, which is the
highest pass rate the state has achieved in the past
ten years. Between CY 2003 and CY 2010, the first-time
Oklahoma-educated NCLEX-PN candidate
averages ranked consistently above the national
NCLEX-PN average. Approximately 75% of all
campuses offering practical nursing education
achieved higher pass rates, and 8% averaged more
than 10 percentage points lower than the national
CY 2010 NCLEX-PN pass rate of 87.05%.
Oklahoma practical nursing programs ranked higher
than 29 other states or jurisdictions on the NCLEX-PN
exam in CY 2010. In 2010, there were 1,255
first-time Oklahoma-educated PN candidates taking
the NCLEX-PN exam.
Oklahoma nursing education program NCLEX-RN
and NCLEX-PN pass rate percentages per calendar
year from 2001 through 2010 are listed on pages 11-
14.
Page 11 OKLAHOMA BOARD OF NURSING NEWSLETTER November 2011
OKLAHOMA BOARD OF NURSING
FIRST-TIME NCLEX-RN CANDIDATE PASS RATE (Percent by Calendar Year)
#2010
Nursing Program 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Candidates
Bacone College - Muskogee 81.80 61.11 68.75 58.82 78.57 72.41 100.00 85.71 33.30 62.96 27
Carl Albert State College - Poteau 85.00 94.74 90.24 100.00 93.33 95.83 73.91 77.78 100.00 100.00 14
Carl Albert State College - Sallisaw N/A N/A N/A N/A 80.00 100.00 100.00 66.67 100.00 83.33 6
Connors State College - Warner 87.00 94.44 77.27 77.78 92.00 100.00 95.65 100.00 92.59 N/A N/A
Connors State College - Muskogee 100.00 100.00 87.50 78.79 91.67 100.00 91.43 100.00 97.62 95.80 72
East Central University - Ardmore N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 100.00 3
East Central University - Ada 100.00 91.67 91.30 82.05 88.00 79.07 83.33 94.29 97.30 85.71 35
East Central University - Durant N/A N/A 81.82 100 91.67 81.25 88.24 92.86 100.00 90.00 10
Eastern Okla State College - Wilburton 52.90 76.47 93.75 52.38 88.88 84.21 86.36 79.31 77.78 86.67 15
Eastern Okla State College - McAlester 61.10 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 92.86 80.00 100.00 14
Eastern Okla State College - Idabel 81.80 84.62 86.96 81.82 86.66 86.36 80.00 93.75 76.00 60.00 25
Langston University - Langston 53.30 42.86 100.00 100.00 80.00 87.50 60.00 85.71 83.33 83.33 18
Langston University - Tulsa 85.70 81.25 71.43 78.94 69.23 91.11 65.96 62.22 70.21 80.95 42
Murray State College - Tishomingo 73.20 66.67 96.00 85.71 87.50 98.04 80.70 71.43 78.57 72.92 48
Murray State College - Internet N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 84.21 83.33 18
Northeastern Okla A&M College - Miami 62.50 90.00 92.86 89.58 87.50 100.00 84.78 88.64 70.83 77.61 67
Northeastern Okla A&M College - Grove N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 100.00 100.00 100.00 85.71 100.00 5
Northern Oklahoma College - Tonkawa 100.00 90.00 92.86 90.00 86.21 81.25 95.83 80.00 80.00 92.31 26
Northern Oklahoma College - Enid 95.00 78.26 85.00 89.66 94.74 97.06 96.00 76.00 75.00 92.00 25
Northern Oklahoma College - Stillwater N/A N/A 100.00 100.00 88.24 86.36 87.50 86.96 85.71 91.67 24
Northwestern Okla State University - Alva 75.00 100.00 33.33 66.67 50.00 93.33 70.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 7
Northwestern Okla State University - Enid 83.33 83.33 100.00 88.89 82.35 100.00 73.33 88.89 100.00 100.00 9
Northwestern Okla State University - Woodward N/A N/A N/A N/A 66.67 50.00 100.00 N/A 100.00 100.00 1
Oklahoma Baptist University - Shawnee 96.30 94.74 93.33 86.96 80.00 65.71 90.91 87.50 80.95 91.49 47
Oklahoma Christian University - Okla City N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 88.24 88.89 63.64 22
Oklahoma City Community College - Okla City 85.20 85.86 89.00 86.61 83.47 85.71 89.55 92.78 91.75 92.57 202
Oklahoma City University - Okla City 77.80 63.64 58.00 57.89 92.59 97.67 92.11 97.73 94.74 98.25 57
Oklahoma State University - Okla City 86.90 88.41 86.00 81.61 89.42 96.04 93.97 83.33 90.70 86.36 154
Oklahoma State University - Goodwell 100.00 83.33 100.00 83.33 83.33 100.00 100.00 100.00 N/A N/A N/A
Oklahoma State University - Okmulgee N/A N/A N/A N/A 53.85 62.07 66.67 71.43 82.35 92.31 13
Oklahoma Wesleyan University - Bartlesville N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 70.00 66.67 100.00 9
Oral Roberts University -Tulsa 80.00 86.67 83.00 74.07 83.33 89.29 76.32 90.32 100.00 86.11 36
Page 12 OKLAHOMA BOARD OF NURSING NEWSLETTER November 2011
OKLAHOMA BOARD OF NURSING
FIRST-TIME NCLEX-RN CANDIDATE PASS RATE (Percent by Calendar Year)
# 2010
NURSING PROGRAM 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Candidates
Platt College - Okla City N/A N/A N/A N/A 84.00 69.39 47.57 56.18 59.26 68.35 79
Platt College - Tulsa N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 67.57 53.13 67.24 80.49 76.36 55
Re-Entry/Board Request N/A N/A N/A N/A 100.00 100.00 100.00 75.00 45.45 64.71 17
Redlands Community College - El Reno 90.30 84.62 88.89 69.49 87.17 94.74 83.72 95.24 96.43 88.89 27
Redlands Community College - Mercy Campus N/A N/A N/A 100.00 71.42 50.00 66.67 25.00 N/A N/A N/A
Redlands Community College - OU Medical Ctr. N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 58.33 N/A N/A N/A N/A
Rogers State University - Claremore N/A 97.14 92.50 86.96 85.00 96.77 92.00 92.16 77.05 93.88 49
Rogers State University - Bartlesville N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 100.00 6
Rose State College - Midwest City 90.00 77.42 87.01 87.36 92.75 95.95 85.23 95.55 81.65 81.71 82
Rose State College - Internet 87.50 81.25 93.10 93.55 79.17 100.00 90.00 77.78 88.89 86.36 22
Seminole State College - Seminole 100.00 77.78 84.21 88.00 85.71 90.48 76.19 87.50 92.00 80.00 20
Southern Nazarene University - Bethany 57.10 N/A 66.67 50.00 46.67 85.19 68.97 88.89 100.00 91.67 12
Southwestern OK State University - Weatherford 100.00 100.00 82.35 90.00 93.33 83.33 86.11 95.65 90.91 84.21 38
Tulsa Community College - Tulsa 79.50 86.30 85.86 92.78 88.37 90.48 91.60 95.53 94.06 90.00 130
University of Central Oklahoma - Edmond 86.10 83.61 78.85 90.91 91.89 93.55 90.24 89.71 91.01 87.91 91
University of Oklahoma - Mercy N/A 50 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
University of Oklahoma - Okla City 91.60 84.21 86.32 83.48 92.36 91.62 84.02 87.21 92.57 87.50 168
University of Oklahoma - Tulsa 100.00 100.00 100.00 96.15 100.00 94.44 90.00 88.89 94.44 93.83 81
University of Oklahoma - Lawton 88.57 78.13 96.00 90.63 80.56 82.05 59.52 82.46 97.96 82.35 51
University of Oklahoma - Woodward/Enid 100.00 80.00 100.00 100.00 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
University of Oklahoma - Internet Campus N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 100.00 100.00 100.00 96.08 92.86 210
University of Tulsa - Tulsa 94.40 82.35 88.24 53.33 80.00 95.45 77.27 100.00 90.48 92.86 28
Western Oklahoma State College - Altus 95.80 90.91 91.67 81.25 93.33 82.75 80.95 86.36 100.00 90.24 41
Western Oklahoma State College - Duncan N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 85.71 87.50 N/A N/A
Western Oklahoma State College - Elk City N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 84.62 91.67 84.62 13
Western Oklahoma State College - Lawton N/A N/A N/A N/A 92.86 82.35 75.00 88.46 100.00 76.67 30
Oklahoma Pass Rate 84.92 83.92 86.36 83.68 86.59 88.88 82.07 85.65 86.67 86.77 2,298
National Pass Rate 85.53 86.66 87.01 85.26 87.29 88.11 85.47 86.73 88.42 87.42 140,883
Page 13
OKLAHOMA BOARD OF NURSING NEWSLETTER November 2011
OKLAHOMA BOARD OF NURSING
FIRST-TIME NCLEX-PN CANDIDATE PASS RATE (Percent by Calendar Year)
#2010
NURSING PROGRAM 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Candidates
Autry Technology Center - Enid 80.00 95.24 93.75 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 90.00 93.33 90.00 10
Caddo-Kiowa Technology Center - Ft. Cobb 86.70 90.00 95.83 100.00 89.47 72.73 88.89 84.21 60.00 94.44 18
Canadian Valley Technology Center - Chickasha 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 95.24 93.75 100.00 100.00 85.71 100.00 20
Canadian Valley Technology Center - El Reno 100.00 88.89 82.35 100.00 95.24 100.00 88.24 100.00 100.00 100.00 20
Central Technology Center - Drumright 95.80 87.10 N/A 68.42 N/A 79.17 75.00 76.47 77.27 84.62 13
Central Technology Center - Sapulpa N/A N/A 100.00 95.00 95.24 88.10 80.00 72.22 86.67 100.00 9
Chisholm Trail Technology Center - Omega 80.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 77.78 100.00 83.33 71.43 7
Comanche Nation College - Lawton N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 83.33 6
Equivalency (Air Force) 100.00 100.00 56.25 85.71 N/A 70.00 89.47 83.33 N/A N/A N/A
Francis Tuttle Technology Center - Okla City 80.00 88.00 96.97 94.44 88.10 92.11 86.05 92.59 86.84 93.88 49
Gordon Cooper Technolgy Center - Shawnee 100.00 77.27 80.95 86.36 92.59 100.00 96.15 100.00 96.15 95.45 22
Great Plains Technology Center - Lawton 84.20 90.57 90.91 96.15 93.18 84.91 91.67 87.18 94.59 90.91 44
Great Plains Technology Center - Frederick N/A N/A 69.23 62.50 80.00 71.43 100.00 100.00 100.00 80.00 5
Great Plains Technology Center - Comanche Nation N/A N/A N /A N/A N/A 100.00 83.33 100.00 N/A N/A N/A
Green Country Technology Center - Okmulgee 58.30 69.23 90.91 83.33 95.45 70.83 90.48 62.50 83.33 66.67 27
High Plains Technology Center - Woodward 53.30 68.42 94.12 81.82 85.71 68.75 80.95 100.00 95.24 81.82 22
Indian Capital Technology Center - Tahlequah 100.00 84.62 90.00 100.00 90.91 100.00 100.00 91.67 100.00 100.00 14
Indian Capital Technology Center - Muskogee 100.00 100.00 90.91 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 93.75 91.67 12
Indian Capital Technology Center - Sallisaw 80.00 100.00 87.50 93.33 100.00 100.00 100.00 95.65 81.25 95.45 22
Indian Capital Technology Center - Stilwell 80.00 71.43 66.67 100.00 100.00 100.00 70.00 90.00 100.00 90.00 10
Kiamichi Technology Center - Antlers N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 100.00 11
Kiamichi Technology Center - Atoka N/A 66.67 N/A 91.30 N/A 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 N/A N/A
Kiamichi Technology Center - Durant 95.20 90.32 94.74 89.29 92.31 100.00 95.24 96.67 96.15 100.00 29
Kiamichi Technology Center - Hugo 76.50 94.44 95.24 95.24 100.00 95.24 95.83 100.00 100.00 100.00 17
Kiamichi Technology Center - Idabel 100.00 93.75 100.00 100.00 100.00 93.10 100.00 96.55 100.00 100.00 22
Kiamichi Technology Center - McAlester 90.90 100.00 88.89 100.00 94.12 95.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 14
Kiamichi Technology Center - Poteau 78.30 80.95 91.30 100.00 84.00 70.83 100.00 95.24 100.00 100.00 13
Kiamichi Technology Center - Stigler N/A 92.31 N/A 100.00 N/A 81.82 N/A 77.78 N/A 100.00 12
Kiamichi Technology Center - Talihina 100 88.89 N/A 90.00 N/A 100.00 N/A 100.00 N/A 100.00 4
Page 14 OKLAHOMA BOARD OF NURSING NEWSLETTER November 2011
OKLAHOMA BOARD OF NURSING
FIRST-TIME NCLEX-PN CANDIDATE PASS RATE (Percent by Calendar Year)
#2010
NURSING PROGRAM 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Candidates
Meridian Technology Center - Stillwater 84.60 70.00 90.63 90.00 100.00 77.78 94.74 90.00 64.71 72.00 25
Metro Technology Center - Okla City 78.90 90.91 82.61 90.00 90.00 97.30 92.31 91.80 95.12 95.65 46
Mid-America Technology Center - Wayne 86.70 90.91 79.17 91.30 91.30 87.50 96.00 95.24 86.96 100.00 24
Mid-Del Technology Cntr. - Midwest City 78.60 57.14 88.89 85.71 100.00 100.00 95.45 90.91 100.00 100.00 13
Moore Norman Tech. Cntr. - Norman 71.40 89.47 90.70 87.88 87.80 87.88 97.92 97.06 97.14 93.75 32
Northeast Technology Center - Afton 81.30 93.30 95.45 91.67 83.33 96.15 93.33 96.15 90.48 100.00 13
Northeast Technology Center - Claremore N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 88.89 9
Northeast Technology Center - Kansas 93.30 84.61 71.43 85.71 85.71 84.21 92.31 86.21 100.00 100.00 25
Northeast Technology Center - Pryor 95.70 100.00 91.30 100.00 95.65 88.24 86.36 95.45 88.46 100.00 24
Pioneer Technology Center - Ponca City 81.30 100.00 94.12 100.00 100.00 94.74 100.00 95.65 85.71 92.86 14
Platt College - Okla City 79.20 72.73 84.00 77.36 86.54 70.49 90.70 81.25 75.81 79.41 68
Platt College - Tulsa 94.30 87.88 86.15 90.77 93.15 97.22 93.67 98.73 95.52 97.26 73
Platt College - Lawton 76.70 70.27 93.55 86.49 86.96 83.33 83.33 91.67 75.00 93.75 16
Platt College - Moore N/A N/A N/A N/A 70.77 67.86 70.19 83.10 77.08 83.33 60
Pontotoc Technology Center - Ada 81.00 79.17 81.48 80.77 81.82 83.33 85.00 84.21 82.00 70.83 24
Partial RN Education taking PN 96.20 96.90 98.57 94.96 N/A 98.17 96.04 96.59 94.96 97.24 145
RN Failure Taking PN N/A N/A 97.30 95.65 N/A 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 6
Re-Entry/Board Request N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N /A N/A N/A 100.00 83.33 6
Red River Technology Center - Duncan 87.50 100.00 79.17 100.00 95.00 100.00 100.00 90.00 89.47 100.00 13
Southern Okla Tech. Cntr. - Ardmore 100.00 93.75 78.57 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 95.24 100.00 100.00 20
Southwest Technology Center - Altus 79.20 91.67 82.61 92.00 100.00 88.24 83.33 83.33 90.91 93.75 16
Tri County Tech. Cntr. - Bartlesville 96.30 80.00 97.14 96.00 100.00 91.18 97.06 93.94 87.18 92.31 39
Tulsa Technology Center - Tulsa 95.00 80.56 88.57 84.62 80.43 82.35 79.41 85.51 85.96 84.06 69
Tulsa Technology Center - St. Francis N/A N/A 100.00 100.00 100.00 N/A 100.00 100.00 N/A N/A N/A
Tulsa Technology Center - Hillcrest N/A N/A N/A 100.00 100.00 100.00 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Tulsa Technology Center - St. John's N/A N/A N/A 100.00 N/A N/A 100.00 N/A N/A N/A N/A
Wes Watkins Tech. Cntr. - Wetumka 100.00 100.00 100.00 92.86 100.00 87.50 100.00 77.78 88.89 100.00 9
Western Technology Center - Burns Flat 65.40 90.48 94.44 100.00 88.89 94.44 95.65 88.24 80.77 84.62 13
Oklahoma Pass Rate 86.41 86.07 89.21 91.81 90.95 88.95 90.14 90.90 89.43 91.95 1,255
National Pass Rate 86.46 86.50 88.21 89.36 89.06 87.87 87.25 85.62 85.73 87.6 66,818
Page 15 OKLAHOMA BOARD OF NURSING NEWSLETTER November 2011
OKLAHOMA NURSING POPULATION - FY 2011
Introduction
According to the 2011 Annual Report of the Oklahoma Board of Nursing, the State of Oklahoma continues to
have an increasing number of Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), and Advanced
Unlicensed Assistants (AUAs). At the end of FY 2011, there were a total of 43,586 Registered Nurses
licensed in the State of Oklahoma, which represents an increase of nearly 17% in the last five years. There are
also more Licensed Practical Nurses licensed in Oklahoma than there were five years ago, with a total of
17,991 currently licensed, an increase of more than 2% from five years ago. In addition, 649 Advanced
Unlicensed Assistants held certification through the Oklahoma Board of Nursing at the end of FY 2011.
Employment of the Nursing Population
Information regarding employment of licensees is gathered at the time of renewal. In FY 2011, 80% of RNs
and 71% of LPNs with active licenses reported employment in nursing at the time of license renewal. The
actual percentage of employed RNs and LPNs is likely even higher, since the employment status of new
licensees is shown as unknown until submission of the first renewal (the employment status is listed as
unknown for almost 10% of RNs and 17% of LPNs). Of those who live in Oklahoma and report employment
in nursing, 85% of RNs and 86% of LPNs work full-time.
Nurses Residing in Oklahoma and Reporting Employment in Nursing:
(Continued on page 16)
FIELD # RNs % RNs # LPNs %LPNs
Ambulatory Care 1,036 3.4% 319 2.6%
Case Management 811 2.7% 244 2%
Community/Public Health 1,188 3.9% 445 3.7%
Home Health 2,423 7.9% 1,890 15.5%
Hospital 18,566 60.9% 2,779 22.9%
Long-Term/Extended Care 1,450 4.8% 3,666 30.2%
Occupational Health 124 0.4% 98 0.8%
Other 2,508 8.2% 1,358 11.2%
Private Practice 1,202 3.9% 1,194 9.8%
School of Nursing 423 1.4% 129 1.1%
School Health 752 2.5% 29 0.2%
Unknown 9 0% 7 0%
Total 30,492 100% 12,158 100%
Page 16 OKLAHOMA BOARD OF NURSING NEWSLETTER November 2011
Education and Gender of the Nursing Population
The FY 2011 annual report also indicated that almost 52% of all RNs licensed in Oklahoma hold an associate
degree, and 32% hold a baccalaureate degree in nursing as the highest degree held. Less than 7% of RNs hold
graduate degrees in nursing. Approximately 8% of RNs and 6% of LPNs who are employed and residing in
Oklahoma are male. This percentage has remained unchanged for the past three years.
Advanced Practice Registered Nurses
Of the 43,586 RNs licensed in Oklahoma at the end of FY 2011, 2,010 held advanced practice recognition.
Advanced practice recognition is required for practice as an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP),
Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM), Certified Registered Nursing Anesthetist (CRNA), or Clinical Nurse Specialist
(CNS). The number of Registered Nurses holding advanced practice recognition has increased by 43% in the past
five years. The following table shows the population of advanced practice nurses in each of the four advanced
practice fields during the past five years:
Advanced Practice Registered Nurses Recognized in Oklahoma
The percent of advanced practice nurses with prescriptive authority also continues to rise. Currently, approximately
66% of advanced practice nurses hold either prescriptive authority recognition, or, in the case of Certified
Registered Nurse Anesthetists, authority to select, order, obtain, and administer drugs. Advanced Registered Nurse
Practitioners are most likely to obtain prescriptive authority recognition, with 86% of ARNPs holding prescriptive
authority recognition.
Conclusion
Significant increases in the Oklahoma Registered Nurse population in particular are noted over the past five years.
The population of Licensed Practical Nurses is holding steady, with a small increase noted. In addition, the
percentage of Registered Nurses holding advanced practice recognition has increased dramatically over the past
five years.
At the time of preparation of this newsletter, work on the 2011 Annual Report of the Oklahoma Board of Nursing
was being completed in preparation for publication. Once published, the Annual Report may be viewed in full on
the Board’s website: www.ok.gov/nursing, under the link for “Publications.”
(Continued from page 15)
Type of Recognition FY
2007
FY
2008
FY
2009
FY
2010
FY
2011
1 & 5 Year
Variances
ARNP 731 841 940 1,024 1,092  6.6% /  49.4%
CNM 46 53 59 57 58  1.8% /  26.1%
CNS 186 229 243 247 249  0.8% /  33.9%
CRNA 511 544 589 564 611  8.3% /  19.6%
TOTAL 1,474 1,667 1,831 1,892 2,010  6.2% /  36.4%
BOARD MEETING NOTICE
All Oklahoma Board of Nursing meetings are open to the public except those portions that may be in Ex-ecutive
Session. The first day of Board meetings generally begins at 5:30 p.m., with the second and third
day beginning at 8:00 a.m. All actions of the Board are taken in open session. Nurses, members of other
professional disciplines, students, and the public are invited to attend. Groups that plan to attend should
schedule their attendance in advance with the Board office to ensure that seating is available. There is an
Open Forum on the first day of each Board meeting. Anyone wishing to address the Board about a nurs-ing
issue should contact Kim Glazier, Executive Director, and request to be placed on the agenda for the
Open Forum. Committee meetings are also open to the public. Please call ahead if you plan to attend, as
dates, times, and locations may be changed. The committee meetings are cancelled and rescheduled if it
is determined that a quorum will not be present.
OKLAHOMA BOARD OF NURSING MEMBERS
TERM ENDS
Liz Michael, RN, MS, President 2013
Joni Jeter, RN, MS, Vice-President 2014
Lauri Jones, RN, BSN, Secretary-Treasurer 2015
Linda Martin, LPN 2011
Elizabeth Schultz, CRNA, MS 2011
Nettie Seale, RN, MEd 2011
Francene Weatherby, PhD, RN 2012
Linda Coyer, LPN 2012
Jean Winter, LPN 2013
June Cash, Public Member 2011
Page 17 OKLAHOMA BOARD OF NURSING NEWSLETTER November 2011
Oklahoma Board of Nursing
Generally begins 1st day - 5:30 p.m.
2nd & 3rd day - 8:00 a.m.
Please check agenda for time.
Nov. 8, 9, & 10, 2011
Jan. 31, Feb. 1, & 2, 2012
March 27, 28, & 29, 2012
May 22, 23, & 24, 2012
July 24, 25, & 26, 2012
Sept. 25, 26, & 27, 2012
Nov. 6, 7, & 8, 2012
Wyndham Garden Hotel
2101 S. Meridian
Oklahoma City, OK
405-685-4000
Advanced Practice Advisory
Committee
February 23, 2012 Board office
CRNA Formulary
Advisory Council
April 23, 2012 Board office
MEETING DATE SITES
SUMMARY OF BOARD ACTIVITIES
During the March 2011 Board meeting, the Board:
 Appointed Kelligh Lloyd, RN, to the Peer Assistance Committee;
 Accepted a follow-up report from Platt College Associate Degree Nursing Program, Tulsa;
 Accepted a follow-up report from Comanche Nation College Practical Nursing Program, Lawton, and
granted Full Approval status for a period of two (2) years;
 Accepted a survey visit report for Platt College Associate Degree Nursing Program, Oklahoma City,
and granted Full Approval status for a period of two (2) years;
 Accepted a report on 2010 NCLEX pass rates for Oklahoma nursing education programs;
 Accepted a survey visit report for Francis Tuttle Technology Center Practical Nursing Program,
Oklahoma City, and granted continuing Full Approval status for a period of five (5) years;
 Accepted a survey visit report for Western Oklahoma State College Associate Degree Nursing
Program, campuses in Altus, Lawton, and Elk City, and granted continuing Full Approval status for a
period of five (5) years; and
 Accepted a curriculum change request and the addition of a high school option for Indian Capital
Technology Center Practical Nursing Program, campuses in Muskogee, Tahlequah, Stilwell, and
Sallisaw.
During the May 2011 Board meeting, the Board:
 Reviewed and approved proposed revisions or accepted without revision the following policies,
procedures, or guidelines:
o Determining Appropriate Faculty to Student Ratios in the Clinical Area in Board-Approved
Nursing Education Programs Guidelines, #E-09
o Registered Nurse in Administering, Managing and Monitoring Non-Obstetrical Patients
Receiving Analgesia/Anesthesia by Catheter Techniques (Epidural, PCEA and Intrathecal
Catheters) Guidelines,#P-03
o Registered Nurse Monitoring Obstetrical Patients Receiving Analgesia/Anesthesia by Catheter
Techniques (Epidural, PCEA and Intrathecal Catheters) Guidelines, #P-04
o Evaluation Criteria Investigation Division, #I-13
o Self-Assessment Report Guidelines, #I-16;
 Appointed Tim Castoe, RN, CARN, and Jayne Oertle, RN, MSN, CNS, CARN, to the Peer Assistance
Committee;
 Accepted a survey visit report for Oklahoma Christian University, Oklahoma City, and granted
continuing Full Approval status for five (5) years;
 Accepted curriculum change request for Kiamichi Technology Center, campuses in Atoka, Idabel,
Antlers, Durant, Hugo, Poteau, Stigler, Talihina, and McAlester;
 Accepted 2010 NCLEX pass rate reports and committee recommendations on the following nursing
education programs:
o Bacone College, Muskogee
o Eastern Oklahoma State College, Idabel
o Green Country Technology Center, Okmulgee
o Meridian Technology Center, Stillwater
(Continued on page 19)
PAGE 18 OKLAHOMA BOARD OF NURSING NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2011
o Murray State College, Tishomingo
o Platt College- Associate Degree, Oklahoma City
o Platt College- Associate Degree, Tulsa
o Pontotoc Technology Center, Ada
o Oklahoma Christian University, Edmond
o Western Oklahoma State College, Lawton;
 Accepted a report on 2010 pass rates for Advanced Unlicensed Assistant programs;
 Accepted survey visit reports and granted continuing Full Approval status for five (5) years for the
following programs:
o Northern Oklahoma College, campuses in Tonkawa, Stillwater, and Enid
o Southern Nazarene University, Bethany; and
 Approved curriculum change requests for the following programs:
o Western Technology Center, Burns Flat
o Central Technology Center, campuses in Drumright and Sapulpa.
During the July 2011 Board meeting, the Board:
 Reviewed and approved proposed revisions or accepted without revision the following policies,
procedures, or guidelines:
o CRNA Inclusionary Formulary, #P-50A
o Continuance of Hearings Policy, #I-01
o Approved Skills List for Performance by Board-Certified Advanced Unlicensed Assistants, #E-
43
o Moderate (Conscious) Sedation Guidelines for Registered Nurse Managing and Monitoring
Patients, #P-06;
 Accepted survey visit reports and granted continuing Full Approval status for five (5) years for the
following programs:
o Pontotoc Technology Center, Ada
o Oklahoma Baptist University, Shawnee
o East Central University, campuses in Ada, Durant, and Ardmore
o Oklahoma Wesleyan University, Bartlesville
o Red River Technology Center, Duncan
o High Plains Technology Center, Woodward; and
 Accepted survey visit report and granted Full Approval status for three (3) years for ITT Technical
Institute, Oklahoma City.
Minutes of the meetings of the Oklahoma Board of Nursing are
available for review on the Board’s website: www.ok.gov/nursing.
Click on the link for “Board Info.”
(Continued from page 18)
PAGE 19 OKLAHOMA BOARD OF NURSING NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2011
OKLAHOMA BOARD OF NURSING
2915 N. CLASSEN BLVD., SUITE 524
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73106
(405) 962-1800 www.ok.gov/nursing
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OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73106
PERMIT NO. 398
This publication, printed by the University Printing Services, is issued by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing as au-thorized
by the Oklahoma Nursing Practice Act [59 O.S. Section 567.1] 62,800 copies have been prepared and
distributed at a cost of $12,124.00. Copies have been deposited with the Publications Clearinghouse of the Okla-homa
Department of Libraries [74.O.S. Section 3105 B].